At the foot of Mount Musa, on the shore of the Mediterranean Sea, once stood six Armenian villages whose inhabitants faced mortal danger in the tragic year of 1915. Fleeing from the Ottoman troops, they climbed to the summit of the mountain and, for forty days, mounted a heroic defense that became a symbol of unyielding courage and determination. Their story is not only a chronicle of survival but also a testimony to the indomitable spirit of a people who refused to be broken by tragedy.
This epic struggle gained worldwide recognition through the novel The Forty Days of Musa Dagh by Austrian writer Franz Werfel, who immortalized the bravery of the defenders. After years of hardship, the survivors eventually resettled in Eastern Armenia, where in 1947 they founded the village of Musa Ler. There, they managed to revive their traditions and preserve the memory of their ancestors, keeping alive the bond with their homeland.
In 1976, a monument was erected in the village, serving as an eternal tribute to those who chose resistance over submission. Today, Musa Ler is more than just a name – it is a living legend that reminds each generation of the true meaning of resilience, sacrifice and love for the motherland.