Sotk

Sotk lies in the highland country east of Lake Sevan, where mountain passes connect neighboring basins. In medieval times it belonged to the Armenian region of Syunik and stood on the road between Dvin and Partav, linking parts of the South Caucasus. Its position made the crossing important to movement beyond the immediate district.

The village church of St Astvatsatsin preserves medieval khachkars, carved stone crosses, in its walls. The surrounding highlands also experienced changing political control as larger powers contested the region. Cold conditions and mountain terrain shaped travel and the use of pasture, while routes through the passes tied local communities to a wider landscape.