ARMENIA
The nation in south west Asia manifests unique overwhelming charm inculcated in a prolonged history of civilization. The region is dotted with architecture of historical significance in ancient and middle ages. See World Heritage site at Haghpat and Sanahin belonging to Buddhist faith or the water bodies like Lake Sevan amidst the mountains, the steaming water of Arzani and Jermuk springs or the dense vegetation at Dilijan Aghveran, tsaghkadzor, Gugark and Bjurakan; the naturally occurring caves in the south east are fascinating. The disintegrating churches, monasteries, as well as the Khatchkars the stone crosses snuggling in an eye catching back drop are dispersed throughout the land makes it appeal all the more endearing.
GEOGRAPHY
This South Western country is landlocked in the mountains of Southern Lesser Caucasus; it is restricted by Azerbaijan by 566 km in east, Azerbaijan ex clave by 221 km, Georgia by 164 km in the north, Iran by 35 km in south and in west it is Turkey by 268 km. It is the puniest mountainous chunk of earlier country Soviet Union.
The country is bestowed with mountains, jungles, gushing rivers, fertile soil and rivers like Aras.
The undermost location of the country is Debed River at 400m; the most elevated being Aragats Lerrnagagat at 4,090 m.
The country has diminutive level of copper, gold, zinc, bauxite and gold metals in its depths.
The nature cause occasional havoc in the form of intense droughts or earthquakes or both.
Sevana Lich is the gigantic lake amidst the mountains.
Echmiadzin is an important sacred big city of the nation.
THE CAPITAL
Yerevan the capital is a city with religious significance; the Mount Ararat reference is found in the Bible in connection with Noah Ark who arrived here to evade the Great Flood. The city was laid out in 782 BC as a well protected fort of Erebuni. It will interest many historically inclined tourists to know that Urartian citadel the Karmir Blur was constructed on the remains of a Bronze Age colony. It is estimated the city is 2800 years old and existed from Babylon times.
Here at Matenadaran is an Institute of Ancient Manuscripts. There are approximately 16,000 such scripts. Some well-known writers include Aristotle, Eusebius etc. There are many interesting museums here as well.
The Zvartnots Airport is an international airport well connected globally.
CLIMATE
The land has scorching arid summer days but cool nights and freezing winters snowing occasionally. Almost the entire country is 286 ft above sea level. Tourist rush is seen from May till June and later from September till October. These months have optimum weather conditions.
HISTORY
Between 95-55 BC when Tigrane ruled the land, it was a golden period in the history of the nation then originating from Caspian Sea till Mediterranean Sea.
This country practiced Christianity since 4th century and the faith did not waver to the regime and clout of the rule of Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, Arabs, Persians, Mongols, Ottoman, Turks and lastly the Russians. The assaults of various rulers made the natives possessive of their culture and they preserved their unusual alphabets language well.
World War I witnessed mass death of Armenian population; it is acknowledged as the most distressful genocide of the 20th century. The eastern region of the country was liberated from Russian rule in 1918 but recaptured in 1920. Ultimately after a long tussle the country regained its independence from Russian regime in 1991.
POPULATION
The nation consists of units in descending order as the Armenian, the yezidi, the Russian, and few others. These communities worship Armenian orthodoxy, the Christianity, and the Yezidi connected with nature worship. People communicate through the dialects of Yezidi, Russian, and few local languages. In country recognizes Armenian as the official language for communication. This language has Indo-European links. All economic transactions are done in the local currency of Dram.
TOURISM
The topology alteration in limited radius from green dense vegetation to tranquil lakes and dry deserts astonish many visitors. It adds mystery to the land.
There are innumerable historical remains that are worth visiting; a few on top of the list are Universe maps of Metsamor of 3-4 BC, Karahunj observatory about 450 years of antiquity, Armavir an ancient capital city, and the inns which catered to the passengers traveling on silk routes. There are places where excavation is in progress; it is interesting to watch these places as they are being uncovered.
Cross-Stone at Khachar dates back to the medieval times. Its construction finally concluded in 10-11th AD. It has symbolic cravings and structures which has deep philosophical meaning of life.
The more agile can opt for out door activities like mountain climbing at highlands. These tours are guided and the apprentice and the professionals both can get involved according to their skill level. Tours are arranged along unknown unseen tracks for hiking. Take help of the tour operators for final decision. Even though 340 native variety of birds’ habitat here most are visible in spring or summer; some tourists visit the country specifically to see the birds.
The tourists as they travel along the country site are transported in the era of the last century when they visit remote villages where progress is yet to take place. The sight seeing of natural caves, monastery and live in times gone by adds aura to tourism.
ACCOMMODATION
The earlier Soviet time hotels have been redone and maintained well for visiting guest. There are a few heritage hotels scattered around the country as well. Bed and Breakfast gives visitors to live with the natives and watch there life at close quarters.
Food
The milk of cattle sheep goats is curdled and served as a drink or snack or to enrich a dish. The cheese are classified as tough, malleable, or the ripe one. These are used as appetizers, to top up the dish, or as part of the dish.
Natives relish goat meat, chicken, beef and mutton dish. Even aviaries are cooked to eat such as duck, goose, pigeon, partridge or quail. Grilled Shish Kebabs or Shashlik or Khoravats in local language is a popular dish. Meat soup is enjoyed before meals. Fish is relished cooked in a variety of methods. A small percentage of the population enjoys oysters and mussels in their meals. The air near homes and restaurants has distinctive fragrance of blended spices used in daily cooking. The food is enjoyed with Lavash the local bread. It is at times rolled with kebabs and salad and then eaten.
The country’s Ararat Valley produces some 40 varieties of grapes; other fruits in abundance are peaches, pears, apples, cherries etc. It is Apricot which is called the Queen of fruits here.
In short the natives love an elaborate meal laid out on their table. A song of 1951 ‘Come on a My House’ describes this passion very well.
Once here relish national dishes like Shampours, ghapama, or Khash as you take a sip of brandy Dvin, beer Koytayk or Kihikia or red wine Areni.
Music
The rich cultural heritage of theater is as old as 2000 years. The pick can be made from puppet show to folk music or jazz music.
Your sojourn to one of the most ancient civilization still revolving around its culture and tradition will definitely impress you and the scared sites and natural beauty will refresh you. Plan a visit today to this biblical land now the Republic of Armenia.
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