Armenia is one of the oldest countries in the world, with a history that spans over 3,000 years. From prehistoric times to the present day, Armenia has witnessed countless empires, dynasties, wars, and conquests, as well as periods of prosperity […]
Armenia is one of the oldest countries in the world, with a history that spans over 3,000 years. From prehistoric times to the present day, Armenia has witnessed countless empires, dynasties, wars, and conquests, as well as periods of prosperity and decline.
The history of Armenia dates back to prehistoric times, when nomadic tribes settled in the region now known as Armenia. The region was first known as “Armenia” in the 6th century BC during the reign of the Persian king Cyrus the Great. In the following centuries, the region of Armenia was conquered and ruled by a series of empires, including the Persian Empire, the Roman Empire, and the Byzantine Empire.
One of the most significant periods in Armenian history was the rise of Christianity in the 4th century. Armenia became the first country to adopt Christianity as a state religion, and this religion has played a fundamental role in Armenian culture and identity ever since.
The Armenian alphabet is one of the oldest and most distinctive writing systems in the world. It was created in the 5th century AD by Saint Mesrop Mashtots, a renowned Armenian linguist and theologian, with the aim of translating the Bible into Armenian. The alphabet has 36 letters, and until the 16th century numbers were written with 36 letters. In the 11th century two more letters were added.
This alphabet has played a significant role in Armenian culture and identity since its creation. It allowed for the translation of important religious texts into Armenian, which helped to spread Christianity throughout the country. The alphabet also enabled the creation of a rich and diverse body of Armenian literature, including poetry, prose, and historical texts.
The Armenian alphabet is written from left to right and has both uppercase and lowercase letters. The letters are based on a system of vertical and horizontal strokes, and many of them have unique shapes that are easy to recognize. The alphabet is known for its beauty and elegance, and it has been recognized as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
The Armenian alphabet has also had a significant impact on neighboring cultures. The Georgian and Caucasian Albanian alphabets are thought to have been influenced by the Armenian alphabet, and the Georgian language even has a word for “Armenian letters.”
Music and dance are an important part of Armenian culture and have a long history dating back to antiquity. Armenian music and dance are characterized by captivating melodies, complex rhythms and the fusion of Eastern and Western influences.
Armenian music is played on many traditional instruments, but one of the most representative is the duduk, a wind instrument made of apricot wood that has a unique and evocative sound. Other common instruments include the zurna (a wind instrument that resembles an oboe), the kamancha (a violin-like fretted string instrument) and the dap (a drum).
Armenian dance has a wide variety of styles that reflect the history and culture of the country. Some dance styles are very old and have remained virtually unchanged for centuries, while others have evolved and merged with dance styles from other countries.
Among the most popular dance styles is Kochari, a traditional dance in which dancers form a circle and perform rhythmic, coordinated movements. There is also Yarkhushta, a war dance in which dancers simulate a battle with strong, energetic movements. Other popular dance styles include the Shalakho, Tamzara and Berd.
Armenian music and dance are highly valued around the world, and Armenian music and dance festivals are held in many countries. Armenian music and dance are a way of preserving the country’s rich culture and history, and are a source of pride and celebration for Armenians around the world.
Armenia is known for its impressive architecture and historical monuments. From medieval churches and monasteries to ancient forts and fortresses, Armenia boasts a wealth of historical and cultural sites that reflect its rich and complex history.
Some of Armenia’s most impressive monuments include the Echmiadzin Cathedral, the spiritual center of Armenian Christianity; the Geghard Monastery, an awe-inspiring monastery carved into the rock; and the Temple of Garni, an ancient Roman temple dedicated to the god Mithras.
The Armenian Diaspora has been formed over centuries due to factors such as the conquest and occupation of Armenia by other empires, wars, persecutions, and economic and educational opportunities in other countries.
The Armenian Diaspora is spread throughout the world, with the largest communities being in Russia, France, the United States, Iran, Lebanon and Syria. Diaspora Armenians have maintained their cultural identity and have contributed significantly to the culture and history of the countries in which they have settled. The Armenian Diaspora has also played an important role in promoting Armenian rights and the Armenian cause worldwide and in solidarity with Armenia during times of conflict and hardship.
The Armenian diaspora has played an important role in Armenian history and culture, and has contributed significantly to Armenian literature, music, and other forms of art. Today, the Armenian diaspora remains an important part of the Armenian community worldwide.
The official currency of Armenia is the Armenian dram (AMD), which was introduced in 1993 to replace the Soviet ruble. The dram is subdivided into 100 smaller units called luma, although luma coins are not currently in circulation.
The dram has gone through several changes since its introduction, including a redenomination in 1995, when the old dram was replaced by a new version at a rate of 1 new dram to 5000 old drams. The current version of the dram has been in use since 2003. The 100,000 dram banknote bears the image of King Abgar of Edessa, a fragment of a 1st century regional map.
The Central Bank of Armenia is responsible for issuing and regulating the Armenian dram. Banknotes come in denominations of 1000, 2000, 5000, 10,000, 20,000, and 50,000 dram, while coins are available in denominations of 10, 20, 50, 100, 200 and 500 dram.
The Armenian dram has generally been stable in recent years, with low inflation and a relatively stable exchange rate against major foreign currencies. However, the country has faced economic challenges and uncertainties at times due to its geopolitical location and dependence on neighboring countries for trade.
Despite these challenges, the Armenian dram remains an important symbol of the country’s independence and sovereignty. It is widely accepted throughout Armenia and is an essential part of daily life for Armenians.
Armenian culture is rich and diverse and has been influenced by a variety of cultures and traditions throughout the centuries. Armenian cuisine is known for its flavor and fresh, healthy ingredients, and has been influenced by Persian, Turkish, and Mediterranean cuisine. Armenian wine is also known for its quality and unique flavor, and has been produced in Armenia for thousands of years.
Craftsmanship and traditional handicrafts are also an important part of Armenian culture. Pottery, wood carving, and jewelry making are some of the most popular forms of art in Armenia and can be found throughout the country in markets and craft shops.
If you’re interested in exploring the rich history and culture of Armenia, Amistad Tour offers a variety of tour options that will allow you to do so. From visiting the country’s most important historical sites and monuments to experiencing Armenian culture and cuisine, Amistad Tour will guide you through an unforgettable journey.
Among the tour options offered by Amistad Tour are visits to the Echmiadzin Cathedral, the Geghard Monastery, and the Temple of Garni, as well as gastronomic and cultural experiences that will allowyou to immerse yourself in Armenian culture. Whether you’re a history buff or simply curious about this fascinating country, Amistad Tour has something for everyone.
One full day we will have the opportunity to get acquainted with the main, most attractive places of the city center, get to know the colors, moods and character of the city of Yerevan. Enduring our …
Durante esta excursión visitará el lago Seván, la perla de este país montañoso y uno de los lagos más grandes de agua dulce de Eurasia. Verá Sevanavanq, un complejo de monasterios en la península de …
We believe Armenia to be one of the world’s great undiscovered tourism destinations and it is our passion to share this region with you.
We have assembled an all-star team of knowledgeable and service-oriented guides and staff members, who save no effort to make any visit to Armenia the most memorable and enjoyable one.
