“I spent my childhood in divine extravagance”
Hovhannes Toumanian was born in one of the wonderful northern corners of Armenia – Lori mountainous province, village Dsegh. Lori has a rich historical background. From the end of the 3rd century BC it formed the Tashir or Tashratap province of Gugark State of Greater Hayq. At the end of the 10th century, the Kyurikian kingdom – Tashir-Dzoraget or Lori – was formed there, which gained political independence.
As an impregnable barrier, Lori highland was one of the centers of the Armenian’s liberation struggle against foreign conquerors for centuries.
The magnificent mountain landscape of Lori is completed by the Debed River, which originates from the junction of Dzoraget and Pambak, on the steep slopes of which there are monuments of great historical and archaeological importance, such as Sanahin, Haghpat, Karasnits Mankants Monastery, Bardzrakash st. Grigory Monastery, etc.
Dsegh village is located on the high plain of Debed’s right bank, which flows through a deep valley rich in monuments.
The poet himself gives a comprehensive and accurate description of Dsegh’s topography and historical and cultural value. “Dsegh village... is an island on a small plain in the deep valleys of Lori, surrounded by ravines and rocks on three sides and a small mountain range on the fourth side from the south... Dsegh is like a natural fortress with its impregnable and undisturbed position. ”
Toumanian spent his childhood in the bosom of this mountain nature, enjoying the immortal mountain air, the freedom and peace of mountain life.
Lori, with its wonderful nature, was the inexhaustible source of the poet's enthusiasm, and the folk songs and conversations, fairy tales and legends he had heard and loved since childhood were the abundant source for his creativity.