YEREVAN (Panorama.am) — December 10 marks the commemoration day of legendary freedom fighter of the Artsakh Liberation War, writer David Sarapyan, better known as Dev.
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 the novel 300 Seconds, which was adapted into a screenplay and later a film acclaimed by critics.
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 the 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.”
