Life after the war

Hayk Nalbandian was wounded on November 8, the last day of the 44-day war. He was a sniper and was wounded by a sniper's bullet. "My life was divided into two parts: before and after the war. After it's more difficult for me, but I have to be stronger and live every day to the fullest," says the 21-year-old young man. We met Hayk in his small workshop.

Seyran had 3 months left of his military service when the 44-day war began. Seyran became the participant of Jabrayil's hottest battles. The last firefight was not without consequences. We met Seyran at his grandfather's house in Martuni. He cut fish and sang with his grandmother. He is sure that one day he will get up from the wheelchair and walk.

Norayr Avagyan volunteered and went to the front during the 44-day war. He received a spinal cord injury in the fighting for the defense of Shushi. Now he is in a wheelchair. He dreams of his own house and workshop.

Sirak Gevorgyan is a participant in the 44-day war.  He had served only one month and eight days in one of the military units of Askeran when the alarm sounded. He underwent 7 operations on tissues and joints of the hand. We met Sirak at the Church of the Holy Mother of God church in Yeghegnadzor, he made the decision to wear a scribe shirt before another operation.

Abraham Hakobyan received a shrapnel wound, his face is completely covered with shrapnel, and another operation is needed to remove them.  "I'm tired of surgeries," says Abraham. After a serious injury, the doctors gave no hope of walking, but thanks to willpower, Abraham not only walks today, but also returned to his job as an assistant cameraman. Although the work is physically demanding and difficult for the injured leg, Abraham does not even think about giving up the job. He also started writing stories. It's a good opportunity to unwind and clear your mind.

I was bleeding for two days. The doctor said that if my neck wasn't muscular, the main vein that the scar on my face runs through wouldn't last. God and sport saved me." Tigran started a new life after the war, but had to leave sports. He was injured by an anti-aircraft missile strike in Hadrut. "I had a knife, somehow I found the strength, took it out of my pocket and kept it close to my heart, so that if I suddenly hear the voice of a Turk, I will kill myself. I heard voices: look, someone is moving, it's Tigran from Vanadzor. Ours came."

Mesrop Saribekyan is a participant of the 44-day war. He came to his homeland from Russia and volunteered. Mesrop's father went missing in the first Artsakh war, the family moved abroad. We spent a day with Mesrop at Zinvor's Tun, where he received rehabilitation treatment after being wounded. Now he earns money with photography.

Andranik Margaryan is a participant of the 44-day war. He served in one of the military units of Jrakan as the head of the armament service. Seven bullets hit the body on the front line, one is still in the lung.  Andranik's spinal cord was damaged by a gunshot.  We spent a day with his family in Artashat- not putting up with mobility restrictions, Andranik bought a car and decided to adapt it to his needs.

Samvel Avdalyan is a participant of the 44-day war.  He underwent a complex operation after receiving a brain injury, and still needs plastic surgery. Lives in Charentsavan, unable to return to his former job anymore, he opened a beauty salon and works together with his wife, the salon was named "Tricolor".