Stepanavan

Stepanavan is a rural community located in the Kapan Municipality of Syunik Province in southern Armenia. The village lies at an elevation of approximately 1,800 meters above sea level, nestled in the foothills of the Voghji River valley. Its geographic coordinates are 39.9000° N latitude and 44.6000° E longitude.

According to the most recent census, Stepanavan has a population of around 1,200 residents. The inhabitants are predominantly ethnic Armenians who sustain themselves through subsistence agriculture, animal husbandry, and seasonal forestry work. The local economy is also supported by small-scale craft production and a modest number of guesthouses catering to hikers exploring the nearby Vaghuhar Sanctuary.

Historical records indicate that the area was first settled during the early medieval period, with archaeological evidence of Bronze Age occupation found in surrounding hills. The village received its current name in the 19th century, derived from the personal name Stepan, reflecting the influence of local landowners of that era. During the Soviet period, Stepanavan became part of the Kapan district and developed communal farms and an elementary school that still serves the area.

Culturally, the community maintains traditional Armenian customs, celebrating the Feast of the Assumption in late August and the local patron saint's day in January. Folkloric songs and folk dances are integral to village festivals, while the local church, dedicated to Saint Grigori, is a focal point for religious gatherings. Stepanavan’s picturesque setting and preserved rural lifestyle render it a representative example of Armenia’s highland villages.