Welcome to Armenia, a country in the Caucasus that will amaze you with its captivating history, vibrant culture, cherished traditions, people, music, etc. And no matter how much you know about this country, we are here to tell you the cool facts about Armenia, some of which you probably have yet to hear. Starting from ancient times till now, Armenia stays as a country with a rich history, culture, and unique characteristics. So, What are some interesting facts about Armenia? Let’s go and read this article to find them out.
Armenia is a mountainous country in the Caucasian region. The countries bordering Armenia are Georgia to the north, Azerbaijan to the east, Turkey to the west, and Iran to the south. Armenia is known for its old history, rich cultural heritage, stunning landscape, and hospitality. In this article, we will point out some exciting and fun facts about Armenia that you might not have heard before but will surely grab your attention.
A cool fact about Armenia is that Armenia holds a record for having the longest cable car in the world, known as ”Wings of Tatev” Located in Syunik province. The cable car connects the town of Halidzor to the Tatev Monastery, overlooking the Vorotan River. It can carry up to 30 passengers per cabin, and the journey takes 12 minutes. The Tatev cable car is one of the must-visit places in Armenia as it is also a convenient way to reach the Tatev Monastery, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Armenia was the first Christian nation, which is a historical fact about Armenia. Furthermore, the construction of the first Christian church also belongs to the Armenian nation-The Echmiadzin Cathedral, built in Vagharshapat, Armenia, and recognized as the first Christian church in the world. It is the mother church of the Armenian Apostolic Church and is considered one of the world’s oldest churches.
The traditional Armenian bread known as “Lavash” holds cultural and social significance in Armenian society. In 2014, the preparation and appearance of “Lavash” were marked on the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. It is made with flour, water, yeast, sugar, and salt. Traditionally, the dough is rolled out very thin and slapped against the hot walls of a clay oven. It gives lavash its characteristic thinness and crispy texture. Lavash is a versatile bread that can be eaten plain or used to make wraps, sandwiches, and other dishes. It is also a popular snack food.
Mount Ararat has deep cultural and religious significance for the Armenian people. It’s described in the Bible as the resting place of Noah’s Ark following the Great Flood. It is situated in the eastern Anatolian region of Turkey. It is geographically close to the border with Armenia and Iran. It has two primary peaks: Greater Ararat, also known as Mount Ararat, with an elevation of 5,137 meters (16,854 feet), and Little Ararat-3,896 meters(12,782 feet). Mount Ararat is a symbol of Armenia’s national identity. It is a reminder of the country’s history and culture and a source of hope for the future. It is also a popular tourist destination, and several hiking trails lead to the summit.
The Areni-1 Cave is recognized as one of the oldest wineries in the world. Located in Areni village, Areni-1 Cave dates back over 6,100 years, making it one of the oldest-known winemaking sites. The discovery of Areni-1 Cave winery was completed in 2007 by an Armenian-American archaeological team. Archaeologists uncovered numerous grape seeds, grape vines, and various types of ceramic vessels associated with winemaking. The discovery of the Areni-1 Cave winery reveals the longstanding tradition of winemaking in the region. It highlights facts about Armenia’s historical connection and significant role in wine growing.
Have you ever thought about what Armenians are known for? You will find the answer now. Armenians are known for their welcoming attitude towards everyone, whether you are a tourist or just a neighbor. Armenians believe that it is vital to take care of guests. There is a fun fact about Armenians. When you are a guest in an Armenian family, you will be treated as if you were part of the family. The host will offer the best food, drink, and company. And you will need to eat everything served to you. Otherwise, the host may get offended, thinking you did not enjoy their food. You’ll also need to assure them that you feel comfortable at their house as if it were your own.
When discussing the Armenian language, undoubtedly, Armenian dialects are the most essential part of Armenian culture. There are several dialects in the Armenian language, that vary across different regions. But the two main dialects are Eastern Armenian and Western Armenian. In the Republic of Armenia, the official language is Eastern Armenian. While the Armenian diaspora mostly uses Western Armenian. So, for some foreigners, there are some letters they find hard to pronounce, and the most common phrase that foreigners want to know is how to say thank you in Armenian. “Thank You” in Armenian will be «Շնորհակալություն» (Shnorhakalutyun), and as it has complicated pronunciation, it can be challenging. In everyday life, Armenians mostly use the phrase “Mersi” and “Apres” The word “Mersi” comes from the French language. And the word «Ապրես» (Apres) means “live long” Like the term “Dear” in English, Armenians are also fond of adding pleasant words and phrases while referring to someone. The term «ցավդ տանեմ» (cavd tanem) means “May I take your pain with me” This phrase highlights the warmth, compassion, and emotional connection that Armenians often express toward others.
Armenia has a history of approximately 4,000 years and is considered one of the oldest nations in the world. Their ancient ancestors, the Hurrians, lived in the region of modern-day Armenia at this time. The Armenian people have faced many challenges throughout history, including invasions, occupations, and Genocide. Nevertheless, they have always managed to preserve their culture and identity. Today, Armenians are scattered worldwide, continuing to cherish their ancient heritage.
One of the Armenian history facts is the Armenian Genocide between 1914-1916. During World War I, the Ottoman Empire systematically persecuted and deported about 1.5 million Armenians, which resulted in the loss of countless lives and the displacement of survivors. This tragic event, recognized by many countries as Genocide, is one of the most important historical facts about Armenia that had an enduring influence on the Armenian population.
Must know fact about Yerevan, Armenia is that Yerevan is not only known for being the capital of Armenia but also for being one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. It was founded in the 8th century BCE by King Argishti I of Urartu. Yerevan declined in importance after the late ancient Armenian Kingdom, and it was revived in the 19th century and became the capital of Armenia in 1918. The city then underwent rapid growth and prosperity and is now a major center of culture, commerce, and tourism. Another fun fact about Yerevan is that Yerevan is called the “Pink City” because of the color of the volcanic tuff used to build many of its buildings.
The Armenian Alphabet is essential in preserving the Armenian language and culture. The Armenian Alphabet was created in the 5th century by Mesrop Mastoc. First, it had 36 letters, then Mashtots felt that some sounds were missing, he added three more letters, and now the Armenian Alphabet has 39 letters. Indeed, the creation of the Armenian Alphabet plays a vital role in preserving the Armenian language and culture. The Armenian Alphabet became particularly significant for the Armenian Apostolic Church. Many religious texts, including the Bible, were translated and transcribed into Armenian, contributing to the development of a unique religious and liturgical tradition.
Located in the Caucasus region, the rich history, culture, and unique features of Armenia make it a fascinating country with much to explore and appreciate. From its ancient civilization to its presence, Armenia has much to offer those interested in learning more about this country. In this article, we explored some interesting facts about Armenia that may have been unknown to you till now. We hope that this article has inspired you to learn more about Armenia. If you are interested in visiting this fascinating country, we encourage you to do so. You will not be disappointed. We organize various tours in Armenia and Georgia that will help you to reveal for yourself the potentialities of these two countries. For further information, check the tours to Armenia.
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