A Timeline of How Tavush Residents Lost Their Lands to Azerbaijan Through Government-Approved Demarcation in 2024

In the spring of 2024, The Armenian Report set on a mission to cover the border delimitation in Tavush province. What we thought would be a quick, one-day reporting trip turned into a two-month journey filled with emotional stories, daily breaking news, and a community’s relentless fight for their land and rights. Our reporters, Ani Khachatryan and Ani Gevorgyan, lived among the locals, experiencing their struggles firsthand and documenting their fight and resistance.

We also captured weeks of exclusive video footage during this time. These videos, showcasing the raw and unfiltered reality of Tavush’s fight, are available only on The Armenian Report’s YouTube channel. We encourage you to explore these stories in depth through our exclusive content.

Here, we’ve created a detailed but easy-to-follow recap of the year’s most significant events in Tavush, so you can understand how these important historical moments unfolded.

How It All Unfolded: A Timeline of Events

March 18, 2024 Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan visits Tavush to discuss plans to cede some territories to Azerbaijan as part of a border agreement. Villagers express their fears, worrying about their safety and the possibility of losing their homes.

March 31, 2024 On Easter Sunday, Archbishop Bagrat Galstanyan leads prayers in the village of Voskepar. The prayers become a rallying point for the community, strengthening their unity against the proposed land concessions.

April 8, 2024 As protests begin to grow in Tavush, opposition leaders visit the region to show support. The Armenian Report captures the rising tensions and increasing opposition to the government’s plans.

April 19, 2024 Armenia and Azerbaijan officially reach an agreement on border delimitation. In response, Tavush residents set up roadblocks, marking the beginning of widespread protests.

April 21-28, 2024 The situation becomes heated as demining operations start in Tavush. Villagers clash with riot police during protests, and tensions escalate. The Armenian Report is on the ground, capturing powerful firsthand accounts from the community.

April 29, 2024 The government announces the installation of 35 border markers in Tavush, further fueling public outrage and leading to intensified protests in the region.

May 4, 2024 Archbishop Bagrat Galstanyan takes a bold step, leading a peaceful march from the village of Kirants to Yerevan. His demand is clear: stop the land concessions and protect Tavush.

May 9, 2024 Protests spill over into Yerevan. Thousands rally in the capital, calling for Prime Minister Pashinyan’s resignation. The movement gains national momentum, and Tavush’s fight becomes a symbol of resistance across Armenia.

May 21-24, 2024 In the village of Kirants, residents block roads, refusing to sign any agreements transferring their land. Their determination and resistance inspire others across the country. The Armenian Report amplifies these stories, bringing them to a broader audience.

June 9, 2024 Nationwide protests erupt as thousands march to Parliament in solidarity with Tavush. The crisis becomes a defining moment in Armenia’s political landscape.

Jun 12, 2024 A clash between police and protesters erupted outside the National Assembly building in Yerevan. The intense confrontation resulted in several people being injured, fainting, and falling to the ground. Among those caught in the middle were correspondents from The Armenian Report.

October 2, 2024 The protests reach their peak. Tavush residents, along with supporters from across Armenia, block major highways, drawing international media attention. The Armenian Report’s coverage ensures that the world hears the voices of those affected.

Following the 2024 demarcation and delimitation in Tavush Province, The Armenian Report set out to determine precisely how much land was transferred to Azerbaijan by the Armenian government. Unfortunately, as of now, we have been informed that the government still does not have a finalized count of exactly how much land it has transferred. However, according to our sources in Tavush, the government does, in fact, know but is refusing to disclose this information publicly.

Through our research, The Armenian Report has uncovered that a significant amount of cropland, residential properties, and a bridge connecting a village have come under Azerbaijan’s control. Specifically, our sources reveal that 60 parcels of land with cadastral certificates—a public register showing land ownership and value for taxation purposes—are now under Azerbaijani control. This includes 10 arable lands, two residential houses, three markets, one car repair shop, and other parcels previously owned by residents.

Despite the residents of Kirants fighting valiantly, often at the cost of their lives, to defend these territories, all were ceded to Azerbaijan by the summer of 2024. While most residents received so-called compensation, some steadfastly refused to accept it, viewing their homeland as irreplaceable.

The Armenian Report will continue documenting this historic and ongoing reality of demarcation and delimitation in 2025, even though it remains unclear which parts of Armenia may be affected next.