Who was Sasuntsi David?
Sasuntsi David (Սասունցի Դավիթ) or David of Sasun is an epic hero from a four-act epic poem “Daredevils of Sasun” (Սասնա Ծռեր) who used to drive Arab invaders out of Armenia. The poem was first available in written form in 1873, while the poem itself dates back to the 8th century. Despite being born from a human, Sasuntsi David had supernatural strength. He used to get stronger by drinking water from Katnaghbyur (Milk Spring) and bathing in it. It comprised the physical elements of his ancestors. He loved freedom and never gave up. He couldn’t stand the foreign rule from his early childhood. Refusing the foreign Arab environment he used to feed only on the butter and honey brought form Sasun. When already a young man Sasuntsi David in a fair duel against Msrah Melik (the ruler of Msr) killed him and released his people.
Yerevan Train Station of Sasuntsi David
Yerevan underground was opened on March 7 in 1981. It’s the quickest way to get around the city. It features only ten stops. The trains arrive in between 5 minutes during rush hours, and 10 minutes during slow hours. They don’t work after 11 pm. Named after medieval epic hero, Sasuntsi David Station is one of the ten stops. It is located in Shengavit District of Yerevan and from there the Sasuntsi David Square, Yerevan railway station, Tigran Mets Avenue and Sasuntsi David Monument are accessible and easily reached.
Sasuntsi David Monument
Right in front of the Sasuntisi David Train Station proudly and firmly rises the monument to Sasuntsi David. The sculptor of this most impressive statue, which depicts David on the horseback, was Yervand Qochar. The statue is considered the prominent sculptor’s masterpiece. It was back in 1939 that he turned the character of the epic hero into a plaster-cast statue.
The statue was 3 meters (9 feet) high. It depicted an exact episode from the poem – when the Arab soldiers were lying dragged along the ground in front of David sitting on the back of his horse, Qurkik Jalali.
Nevertheless, in 1941 Qochar was falsely accused and as a result, had to spend two years in jail and exile. Other than that, he was officially disgraced and the plaster-cast statue was destroyed.
Only two decades later the sculptor got another chance to recreate David. In 1959 the same square welcomed already the copper-made statue of Sasuntsi David. The architect was M. Mazmanyan. Compared to the 1939 plaster-cast statue, this one not only is larger but is also unique, features a special elastic language and represents a remarkable piece of art.
The warrior-like figure of Sasuntsi David clearly illustrates David’s aspirations for freedom, which in broader sense, is the illustration of Armenian people’s longing for freedom. In his hands David holds the sword of lighting, which is always ready to fight and drive invaders back. The statue is erected on a stone made pedestal. The pedestal comes with a bowl from where water flows. The flowing water stands for the patience of Armenian people, which shows that once it’s abused it always turns into fury.
Unveiled in 1959 the statue has appeared on various postcards, photographs, travel guides and magazine covers that way traveling throughout the world.
Notably, this statue of Sasuntsi David is not the only. There is another similar statue dedicated to the national epic hero. It’s located in Fresno, California as well.
Sasuntsi David Monument symbolizes Armenian people’s love and yearning for freedom and independence of which they have been deprived for great many centuries. Therefore, this monument is very much loved by Armenians and is always on the spotlight.
Location
Yerevan Train Station of Sasuntsi David is located in Shengavit District of Yerevan. Sasuntsi David Square, Yerevan railway station, Tigran Mets Avenue and Sasuntsi David Monument are within easy reach from there.
