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ALL ABOUT ARMENIA
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HISTORY
Armenia ... It was here, on top of the Biblical Mount Ararat where forefather Noah with his ark found refuge from the Great Flood, after which he planted in the Ararat Valley the first grape vine. Armenian nation was formed as a result of complex and lengthy process of interaction between different tribal groups on Armenian Plateau and the territory of Asia Minor. In 8-9 centuries BC Urartians tribes have created the first state in the Armenian highlands with the capital city of Tushpa. Urartu civilization was one of the largest in the ancient world. The processes of consolidation of the Armenians actively went on in Urme region, where the Hurrians, Urartu, the Hittites and Luvians gradually assimilated with the Indo-European tribe of Armens. The decline of Urartu in the fight against the mighty Assyrians happened between 590 - 580 BC. Urartu people infused into the Armenian nation. Thus the formation of the Armenians as a nation, was completed. The ancient Armenian kingdom, 6 - 4 BC was in a vassal relationship with the Medes and Achaemenid Persia. In 331 BC Persia surrendered to the power of Alexander of Macedon, after the collapse of which a part of Armenia was ruled by the Yervandouni dynasty, while the rest became part of the Hellenistic Seleucid state. The Hellenistic period in the history of Armenia ended with the conquest of the Seleucid kingdom by the Romans. A large part of Armenia was united under the rule of King Artashes I. The Power of Tigran the Great, with its capital in Tigranakert stretched from the Mediterranean Sea to the Caspian, from the Tigris and Euphrates to the river Mtkvari. However, this power did not last long: the Roman Empire annexed all of its land except for the Great Armenia.
In 301 Armenia adopted Christianity as the state: the first Cathedral of the world became Etchmiadzin. In 406, the Saint Mesrob Mashtots created the Armenian alphabet. Subsequently, the Holy Bible was translated into Armenian. When, in 451 of Eastern Armenia was endangered to be fully subordinated to Persia and lose cultural identity, St. Vardan Armenian Mamikonyan led the army in the battle of Avarayar gainst the Persians. Despite the defeat, Armenia remained Christian, and the words spoken by the commander, "Being conscious of ones death leads to immortality" became historic. In 5 - 11 centuries Armenia came under the influence of the Byzantines, Arabs and Persians. Between 744 – 1020, after a bitter struggle with the Arabs a part of Armenia regained independence under the rule of Bagratuni with the capital of Ani. Armenian statehood in the 11th - 14th centuries was concentrated in Cilicia on the north-eastern shore of the Mediterranean Sea. May 28, 1918 was proclaimed the First Republic of Armenia. In 1920 in Armenia were established soviet republic. On September 21, 1991 Armenia proclaimed its independence. Armenia's rich history has left its unique mark on each corner of the country, which for three thousand years had twelve capitals, many of which are represented in the modern republic of Armenia. Visit Armenia - a living miracle created by God!
CULTURE AND TRADITIONS
Armenian culture and its contribution to world culture is impressive! Armenia is rightly called the cradle of civilization. There is no country in the world, for which the stone would mean more: since ancient times Armenia had famous masters of architecture, sculpture and stone carving. Lacy khachkars - the cross-stones, became the symbol of Christian Armenia, a country created by God out of stone, which he endowed with soul and turned into a wonderful flower. The cross stones became the symbol of Christ's victory over death and resurrection and rebirth of Armenia, the victory of good over evil, victory of love force over the forces of arms. Unique cross-stones can be seen in the monasteries of Armenia. In Armenia they have been curved over centuries. Especially beautiful are the samples of curviture of masters Momik and Vartan. The traditions of Armenian music have their roots in antiquity, with its authentic dances, gentle songs of Sayat-Nova, Sherami, Jivani and other minstrels and beautiful church anthems - sharakans. The greatest music of Armenian composer Komitas is filled with such spiritual energy that seems to be impossible to be translated into the musical notes. Moving and wonderful is the sacred music by Makar Yekmalyan. Operas and ballets of Aram Khachaturian, Armen Tigranian Alexander Spendiaryan are of exceeding beauty.
The unique manuscripts of Gospel and books of amazing beauty miniature-decorated by Avag the Prophet, Toros Roslin, Sarkis Pitsak. The art of miniature dates back to the invention of Armenian alphabet by Mesrop Mashtots and the Holy Bible translations and theological works, as well as religious texts by Yeznik Koghbatsi and Koryun. Today we can see them in Matenadaran in Yerevan – the biggest depository of ancient manuscripts. The treasure of Armenian poetry - St. Gregory of Narek, Nerses Shnorhali, Constantine Erznkatsi and their successors Hovhannes Tumanyan, Siamanto, Alexander Ghevond Alishan, Charents, Sylva Kaputikyan go hand in hand with the armenian art. The writings of Grigor Zohrab, Shirvanzade and Nar-Dos are full of love and awe for their native land and traditions. Armenian culture has a long history of education: arts and literature were taught at universities adjuscent to monasteries, such as Gladzor, Tatev, Sis, Noravank by prominent figures of science and art of the time - theologian and philosopher Gregory Tatevatsi, philosophers Hovhannes Vorotnetsi, Grigor Magistros and many other. The leading schools of medieval history led by Khorenatsi, Agatangeghos, Pavstos Buzand, Kirakos Gandzaketsi should be mentioned. The paintings of Saryan, Bashigdzhanyan, Khanjyan and Aivazovsky appeal to hearts and are filled with the aesthetics perception of the universe by Armenians. Armenian culture has given the world wonderful masterpieces of decorative art.
Armenia is a natural workshop where everything exists that might be used by a skillful architect! God gave Armenia not only unique building materials, but also a terrific nature, which gives inspiration, generates desire for creativity and, of course, awarded its people with appropriate talents. Architecture is most characteristic for Armenia, as it best expresses the creative essence of the Armenian mentality. The architecture is closely linked with the emerging of Armenian statehood and becoming at the dawn of history one of the main civilizations in the Armenian highlands. Largely thanks to the art of erecting impregnable fortresses, Urartu people was able to create its own state. Today we can see a masterpiece of the Hellenistic period - the pagan temple of Garni basalt I B.C. The flowering of Armenian architecture begins with the adoption of Christianity. One of the most beautiful creations of Armenian architecture was the temple of Zvartnots, constructed between 641 and 661. New capitals were built - Dvin, Ani: the beauty of these cities competed with major European cities. Masterpieces of not only Armenian, but also world of Christian architecture are considered the Cathedral, the Churches of St. Gayane and St. Hripsime in the Holy Echmiadzin, Geghard cave monastery, monasteries of Tatev, Haghpat, Sanahin, Haghartsin, Goshavank, Khor Virap, Gandzasar, Hovhannavank, Saghmosavank, Marmashen, Sevanavank. In addition, almost every city of Armenia also has its own ancient and beautiful churches. Of dazzlingly beauty is the monastery on the island of Akhtamar with its Church of the Holy Cross, built by architect Manvel. The Cathedral, Church of St. Gayane, St. Hripsime in Echmiadzin, Zvartnots temple, Haghpat and Sanahin monasteries, Geghard cave monastery are included in the List of World Heritage sites of UNESCO's.
RELIGION
To understand the significance of Christianity for Armenians, it is important to remember the words of Saint Vardan Mamikonyan commander - "The enemy thinks that Christianity is only clothes for us, but he will see that it is the color of our skin, which is impossible to change." These words were spoken by him in the days of the struggle of the Armenian people with the Sasanian Iran. Christianity was first brought to Armenia in the I century B.C by Apostles Thaddeus and Bartholomew. During the II-III centuries the teaching of Christ was widely spread in the country. The preacher of Christianity - Saint Gregory the Illuminator was detained by king Tiridates III in a prison at the foot of Mount Ararat, and held there for 13 years. He survived thanks to a woman who brought him food and drink. All these years St. Gregory prayed fervently and his prayers were heard by the Lord. When the king Tiridates had almost gone mad, St. Gregory offered to cure him and in gratitude the king declared in 301 a.d. adoption of Christianity as a state religion. St. Gregory became the first Catholicos of the Armenian Apostolic Church - the supreme spiritual head of all the Armenians: he is considered one of the most important saints also in other Christian denominations. Christ Himself is said to come to St. Gregory, and point to the place where the Cathedral of the Armenian Church was to be built. The place was called Echmiadzin, which translates "Descended the Single One." For over 1,700 years of Echmiadzin remains the center of the Armenian Church at the heart of the Armenian people. Here is the Mother See and the residence of the Catholicos of All Armenians situated. While over the dungeon in which St. Gregory prayed, one of the most beautiful monasteries in Armenia, Khor Virap was built. The Armenian Church has not recognized the decisions of the Council of Chalcedon of 451, thus it has a doctrine, somewhat different from the Roman Catholic Church and the Orthodox Church. In the absence of centuries-long statehood Armenian Church remained the main unifying force of the Armenian people: churches and monasteries were the main centers of culture, education and writing. Today the Armenian Church is represented all over the world, where Armenians live. The Armenian Apostolic Church is actively involved in the ecumenical movement, organizes programs of child care, centers and hospitals. There is also an Armenian Catholic Church, which owns one of the largest and oldest religious and cultural centers of the Armenians in Europe - the monastery of the Order of Mkhitarian Island of San Lazzaro in Venice, which has a rich library. In Armenia, there are small communities of Armenian Catholics, most of whom live in Shirak region. Much of the Kurds living in Armenia are representatives of Zoroastrianism and are called Yezidis. There is also a Kurdish minority. Russians in Armenia are represented by Orthodox Church and of the schismatic sect, the Molokans, who live in Armenia for 300 years.
CLIMATE IN ARMENIA
Armenia displays stunning natural diversity of landscape, flora and fauna packed in a small area of less than 30.000 sq km: blooming Ararat valley, dramatic sceneries of volcanic highlands, gigantic summits of Mt. Aragats with powerful slopes covered with carpets of alpine meadows, marvelous mountain Lake Sevan with its crystal clear water, valleys of fast flowing mountain rivers, breezy forests of Dilijan and Jermuk, “Symphony of Stones” – unique basalt rock formations in the canyons of Azat and Arpa rivers, serpentines of the Great Silk Road set in mountain sceneries, intrepid mountains of Zangezur range with wild growing trees of pomegranate and almond, oak groves of Meghri and vast steppes of Vayots Dzor. All these make up unparalleled beauty of breathtaking sceneries found across Armenia.
Situated between 380m and 4090m above sea level, Armenia is a country of eight geographic zones, seven climate zones, about half of species of plants in the Transcaucasus and nearly two-thirds of all bird species found in Europe. About 90% of the territory of Armenia lies on mountains at the height of 1000 m above sea level and higher, that are part of the Armenian Plateau. Mountains of Armenia meet the Lesser Caucasus Mountains in the north of the country. Armenia is a country of mountain peaks: Mountains of Aragats, Kaputjugh, Azhdahak, Vardenis and Mets Ishkhanasar have a height of more than 3500m above sea level. The highest of them is Mt. Aragats at 4090m. Mt. Ararat which is one of the most significant symbols of Armenia is currently in modern day Turkey. Mountains of Armenia form several large mountain ranges which include those of Pambak, Zangezur, Meghri and Vayots Dzor. Armenia is located in a seismically active zone. Volcanic activity stopped here few centuries ago and left Armenia with vast volcanic uplands. Only 12% of the territory is covered with forests. Most of them are concentrated in the northern regions of Lori and Tavush. Some of them can also be found in the southern regions of Syunik and Vayots Dzor. The network of rivers is very large, but is mostly comprised of smaller mountain rivers, not suitable for navigation. All rivers belong to basins of Araks and Kura. Armenia has a few alpine lakes, the largest of which is Lake Sevan – one of the largest fresh water highland lakes in the world.
Ararat valley, a steppe and semi-desert zone, has a dry harsh continental climate with considerable difference in daytime and nighttime temperatures. Here summers are hot, and winters are rather cold, with almost no precipitations. In July temperature exceeds 40 C, and in January it drops below -10 C. In woody areas of the country the climate is moderately warm and humid with mild summers and winters. Mountain regions of Armenia are characterized by moderately cold climate with rather harsh winters and cool summers. Precipitations are mostly observed in spring and beginning of summer. Most humid marzes of Armenia are Lori, Tavush and Syunik. Middle mountain areas and lowlands of central part of Armenia are mostly in moderate and moderately dry climate zones. Southernmost area near Meghri and north-eastern area around Noyemberyan are in sub-tropic zone.
Armenia has a truly stunning floristic diversity with more than 3200 species of plants. Mountain forests of Lori, Tavush and Syunik are home to oak, beech, pine-tree, hornbeam, linden, maple, ash-tree, and birch. In Ararat valley one can come across vines, groves of Nairian poplar, sagebrush steppes, thickets of peach and apricot trees, and some semi-desert vegetation. In springtime mountains of Armenia become carpeted with marvelous flowers. Armenia is the motherland of many varieties of plants, as well as apricot. Here one can find trees of wild apple, pear, plum, pomegranate, grapes, fig, berries and walnut.
Fauna of Armenia holds 450 species of vertebrates, more than 10 thousand species of invertebrates, 304 species of birds, 24 species of fish, 20 species of snakes and many others. In the forests of Armenia one can come across roe, Syrian bear, wildcat, fox, lynx, leopard, and spotted Ussuri deer. Nearly two thirds of birds known in Europe can be observed in Armenia. Lake Sevan has become home to native endemic species of gulls.
Armenia has some unique nature monuments, among them are canyons of Azat and Arpa rivers with their amazing natural basalt columns resembling organ pipes; rock formations with silhouette of a young girl “Harsnaqar”; “Arjeri” and “Mozrov” caves; waterfalls of Shaki and Tsolk, Mt. Aragats with its cultural and natural sights of interest is a unique area for cultural, ecological and adventure tourism. Each mountain and canyon of Armenia has its unique microclimate and can be viewed as a natural monument. This is true of lakes of Armenia, especially those of Sevan, Kari, Arpi, and Parz.
For the protection of natural heritage of Armenia, specially protected areas were created. Among them are reserves of Dilijan, Khosrov, Shikahogh and Erebuni, National Park of Lake Sevan, as well as 10 sanctuaries – all of which are home to numerous endemic species of plants and animals.
“Sevan National Park” incorporates Lake Sevan and the area around it. The lake is often referred to as “blue pearl” and is one of the largest high altitude lakes of the world. It is surrounded by four mountain ranges that were formed over millions of years of volcanic activity here. Over 260 species of birds can be observed here. The area around Lake Sevan is rich in historic and archeological sites.
“Khosrov Forest Reserve” is located on the outskirts of Geghama mountain range. It occupies a territory of 29.000 hectares and is one of the oldest. According to Armenian historian of 5th century Movses Khorenatsi, Armenian king Khosrov the Great established it around 330 A.D. as a private area for royal hunting. Thus, for many centuries it has preserved the unique diversity of flora and fauna. More than 1800 species of plants can be found here. Amazing landscapes of the reserve with its semi-arid lands are rich with traces of volcanic and tectonic history of this area, and wild-growing trees of juniper, pear, oak, apple, apricot, willow and walnut. Here one can come across leopard, wild boar, Syrian bear, moufflon, mountain lynx, spotted Ussurian deer and other animals.
“Erebuni Reserve” is located on the outskirts of Yerevan on the area of about 90 hectares. It is home to wild species of wheat and cereals, as well as some unique species of plants. Three of four species of wild wheat known to the science can be found here: Trititcum urartu, T. beoticum and T. araraticum.
“Shikahogh Reserve” is located on the slopes of Meghri ridge, which together with Zangezur ridge protects the area of 10 hectares of the reserve from winds and cold air masses. This system of mountain ranges and ridges creates a wide diversity of climate conditions. Among 1074 species of plants here one can find endemic species of tulips, relict species of fern and orchids and other species many of which are in Red Book.
“Dilijan National Park” with its area of 28.000 hectares is located in the north of Armenia. This area is not only rich in beech and oak groves, but also with marvelous sights such as monasteries of Haghartsin, Goshavank, Jukhtak, Matosavank. There is a yew tree grove here and several lakes, one of them is Lake Parz with its beautiful hiking and walking trails. Here one can come across hornbeam, ash-tree, honeysuckle, maple, etc. Representatives of local fauna include beech marten, brown bear and roe deer.
Natural heritage and favorable ecological conditions of Armenia attract many lovers of ecological tourism.