page_title: Lichk
section_title: Artesian Well Controversy
hierarchical_section_title: Lichk / Artesian Well Controversy
caption_attribution_description: English: Residents of Lichk, Armenia attempt to repair damage done on August 7, 2013 to the village spring.
context_page_description: Lichk is a major village located south of Lake Sevan in the Gegharkunik Province of Armenia. Although the village was officially founded in 1829–30, there are ruins of earlier habitation including the remains of a medieval town. There are also the ruins of the early Tsaghkavank which sit adjacent to the church of S. Astvatsatsin at the hilltop cemetery. Tsaghkavank overlooks the village of Lichk, and the remaining lower walls are cylindrical walls with a very small entry. The reasoning behind this is that one would technically be forced to bow in respect upon entering the church. The church of S. Astvatsatsin is a small basilica with some broken khachkars and gravestones embedded into its walls. It is currently in disrepair as the roof has collapsed. Surrounding the two churches is a 13th-century cemetery with numerous interesting khachkars. Nearby is a cyclopean fort. Between 1950–60, an Aramaic inscription was found nearby.
context_section_description: On August 7, 2013 a spring that had supplied mineral water for the village of Lichk (Armenian: Թթու ջուր; meaning sour water) was demolished without the consent of the townspeople. The artesian well had been drilled approximately 40 years ago by Soviet engineers, and was used by residents of the village since then. Many had used the naturally carbonated spring daily, as a main source of drinking water or in hopes of curing certain ailments. A contract was secured through the local government by a businessman to construct a bottling plant at the site to produce soft drinks. Construction began in early-August and the dome of the spring, created by minerals in the water, was destroyed. Residents protested the move made by the local government and took back control of their water source.  Restoration efforts were soon underway so that residents could once again use the source of water again. On June 12, 2015 the artesian well was uncapped through the  efforts of residents in Lichk and is once again open for use.
caption: Residents attempt to repair damage to the village spring
exif: {}