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Today, 4 February marks the birthday anniversary of legendary freedom fighter of the Artsakh Liberation War, writer David Sarapyan, better known as Dev. He would have turned 55 today. 

David was born in Yerevan in 1966. His father Edward Sarapyan was the chief architect of Yerevan, while his mother Emma Sarapyan was a prominent scientist. Upon graduation from high school, David entered Cybernetics Department of Yerevan Polytechnic Institute.

He worked as a film director and wrote ‘300 Seconds’ novel which was adapted into a screenplay. ‘300 Seconds’ was acclaimed by film critics, while Odessa film studio approved the screenplay.

In 1990 David went to the front and joined the Independence Army of Leonid Azgaldyan, then Tigran the Great detachment. He participated in self-defense battles in Shahumian region’s villages of Buglukh, Manashid, Gharachinar, Sarisu, and Erkej. Azerbaijanis called him Davit the Terrible.

On October 30, 1991, David participated in the liberation of Togh village in Hadrut region.

“David was well familiar with that village. It was the native village of his mother, and Azerbaijanis set up headquarters in his grandfather’s house. As it grew dark, David cautiously approached the village, neutralized the sentries and walked towards the only house where the light was on – his grandfather’s home where special unit members were having a noisy party. David called out their chief’s name. When the chief looked out of the window, David shouted ‘Catch!” and threw a grenade at him. There was a blast and the house exploded. This was followed by an attack of our troops, forcing the special unit members to leave the village. This operation is mentioned in the fundamental work “The History of Armenia” of the National Academy of Sciences. The work has a photo of David Sarapyan, with the words written below it: “Togh village of strategic importance was liberated on October 30, 1991. Davit Sarapyan, Dev, was noted for his exceptional bravery”.

After returning home, reticent David gladly told his mother: “Your native village was liberated. Now we need to liberate father’s native town – Erzurum.” It was their last meeting…

Shortly afterwards, David again went to Shahumian where he participated in his last battle for Todan village that was used to heavily shell Armenian villages. There he died on December 10, 1991, as he courageously performed his military task.

Dev was laid to rest at Yerablur Military Pantheon in Yerevan.