The self-defense battles in Artsvashen started in 1989 and lasted for 3 years. Artsvashen, located in the eastern part of Gegharkunik region, was an enclave in the Getabek region of Azerbaijan, the last Armenian piece of land.

On the occasion of the 29th anniversary of the Artsakh Republic, Diaspora Armenian Commander Hovsep Hovsepyan was awarded the Combat Cross of the 1st degree by the decree of the Artsakh Republic President Arayik Harutyunyan.

When the forest gets dark, the village lights up, as if stars are falling from the sky into the gorge.