There was a time that Khadrlu only had 250-300 inhabitants from a variety of different regions.

Unfortunately, the village was destroyed, and a new system of silviculture was established which caused many villagers to move to neighboring communities. During the 1990’s, the damaged village was rebuilt and renamed Lanjanist. Former villagers came back to their old village and started to live in their original homes.

Villagers were heavily engaged in animal farming and agriculture.

My grandfather Grigor was also involved in animal farming; every day he grazed more than 60 large cattle in hay meadows. Years later, my father continues his father’s job. Though the number of cattle has been reduced to half its original size, a lot more effort and enthusiasm is required to care for these 30 cattle in recent years.

My dad explained that the quality of the hay was better this year than when compared to previous years. The condition of the hay is important because my family uses the milk to produce cheese and sell it in the market. My father once told me, “The business is satisfying, and we are more motivated and devoted to work for our children.”

Sometime during the 2000’s, people started to move from the village and settled in different places nearby. However, others chose to stay in the village and continue their life in Lanjanist.

According to informational archives, Lanjanist was established in1831. The first inhabitants came from Gharadagh and adjacent villages from historically Armenian parts of Iran. The village was renamed as recently as 1968.

Close to the village, there are many ruined remains of old churches. The Spitakanavk church is also settled nearby the village, which was built in 1301.

Today, only 15-20 families live in the village, and the rest of the houses are used as summer houses where people come, spend their holidays, and then return home.