ARMENIA

Armenia is a landlocked country located in the Caucasus region of Eurasia and has a rich history and cultural heritage. It has a population of about 3 million people, and its capital is Yerevan. It was one of the earliest Christian civilizations, dating back to the 4th century. The country has faced several challenges, including territorial disputes and economic struggles but it has remained resilient, ensuring proper preservation of its vibrant culture that encompasses ancient monasteries, traditional music, and distinctive cuisine. It gained independence from the Soviet Union in 1991and continues to navigate its path on the global stage.

Geography and Location

Armenia is located between Asia and Europe, sharing its borders with Turkey, Georgia, Azerbaijan, and Iran to the west, north, east, and south, respectively. It covers an area of approximately 29,743 square kilometers (Misachi, 2019). Its landscape is highly varied, consisting of forests, valleys, rivers, and rugged mountains, including the famous Mount Ararat, which is considered a national heritage by the citizens. Its capital and largest city is Yerevan, located in the western part of the country and serves as its political, cultural, and economic center (Sanasaryn & Vinals, 2020). Overall, Armenia is strategically located at the Europe and Asian crossroads, which is considered a highly contested area.

Historical Background

Many great empires that existed within the Armenia’s current location had a significant impact on its history. It is an old country, as it emerged in the 6th century BC. The Urartu Kingdom, one of the powerful empires that existed between the 9th and 6th centuries BC, is considered Armenia’s predecessor (History Museum of Armenia, n.d.). The Kingdom was a very powerful empire during the reign of King Tigranes the Great in the 1st century BC. One of the outstanding moments in the Armenian history was AD 301, when it became the first nation to adopt Christianity as its state religion (Digital Exhibits, n.d.). Since then, Christianity became integral in shaping the country’s national identity and cultural heritage. Armenia has been subjected to many invasions and occupations by empires such as the Persian, Byzantine, Arab, Mongol, Ottoman, and Russian throughout its history. Nevertheless, it has succeeded in maintaining its distinct culture and customs up to now.

Cultural Treasures

Armenia has a rich cultural heritage carefully embedded in its architecture, literature, music, and art, as ancient monasteries, churches, and historical sites are significant features that span its landscape. The Etchmiadzin Cathedral, one of the oldest cathedrals in the world, is the most famous religious building in Armenia and the mother of the Armenian Apostolic Church (Wiener, 2018). The monastery complex of Geghard, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is also another significant Armenian treasure, popular for its rock-cut architecture and ancient history (World Heritage Convention, n.d.). Importantly, the Khor Virap Monastery, situated close to the Turkish border, is a prominent symbol and a major cultural landmark in Armenia. The country also boasts a rich legacy of literary and artistic creativity, such as illuminated manuscripts from medieval Armenia known for their exceptional artwork and vivid colors.

Natural Treasures

Armenia has numerous natural features such as lakes, dense forests, and jagged mountains. Lake Sevan, for instance, is among renowned and large freshwater lakes found in high altitude areas. Its proximity to monasteries and various recreational opportunities attract tourists from within and outside the country. The Dilijan National Park, known for its varied wildlife, untouched forests, and serene landscapes, is a lovely sanctuary in Armenia that appeals to nature enthusiasts and hikers.

Modern Armenia

Since becoming free from the Soviet Union in 1991, Armenia has embarked on a challenging path of political, economic, and social changes while aiming to protect its diverse cultural traditions. It has experienced steady growth since then as a sovereign state by striving to establish a democratic society and a stable economy. The country is a member of many international organizations, including the United Nations, the Council of Europe, and the Eurasian Economic Union (Global SPC, 2024). Despite facing challenges such as regional conflicts and economic difficulties, Armenia remains resilient and takes pride in its rich history and cultural legacy.