A Belgian-Armenian's Journey to Village Life in Artsakh

A diaspora Armenian from Belgium spent four months living in Kornidzor, a village of roughly 1,000 residents in the Artsakh mountains, following a sabbatical from work. The author, who grew up speaking little Armenian, documented daily life in the village—from learning the language to observing the community's resilience. The piece centers on the women of Kornidzor, whom the author describes as resourceful and brave figures maintaining the village's fabric. The author initially traveled to Artsakh motivated by a desire to assist families displaced during the 44-Day War, and reflects on both the beauty of village life and the ongoing uncertainty residents face under the region's volatile political situation.