Armenian World

ARMENIA

Actually Armenia is one of the oldest countries of the world. It is the first Christian country in the world. It is situated at a cultural, historical, and religious intersection and located at the crossroads between Europe and Asia, in the southern Transcaucasus. The country spans 29,743 square kilometers (11,490 square miles, about the size of Belgium or Maryland) of mountainous terrain centered around the Ararat Valley, the heart of the Armenian nation since biblical times. Ancient geographers called the Armenian Highlands the "Island of Mountains". Armenia has borders with Georgia to the north, with Turkey to the west and south, with Azerbaijan to the east and southwest, and with Iran to the south.

Its name is among six countries depicted on a Babylonian map dating back to the 5th century B.C. Armenia is situated within the same geographical latitude as Spain, Italy and Greece. That might be the reason, that, like the people of the above mentioned countries, Armenians have a strong striving for arts and seek beauty and harmony in everything. There are neither skyscrapers nor fashionable sea resorts here, but you can find ancient culture that boasts a three-thousand-year-old history. There are more than 4000 historical landmarks on its territory. Austere and solemn, they stand as living witnesses of the eventful history of Armenia. Due to its historical fate the country had ceased to be a mere homeland, it has acquired a sort of spiritual value which every Armenian bears in the corner of his heart wherever he lives. Armenia should be measured not by its length and width but by its depth as in each layer on its land there is the breath of the millennia. Armenia is a country of contrasts. The valleys can be as hot as tropics while some mountains are covered with snow all the year round. This is a rocky country. The legend related that Cod, intending to test the diligence and patience of the nation, granted them the rockiest part of the Earth. And the people used the stones to worship Cod. They built magnificent churches in the most inaccessible places and carved unique cross-stones, which have become one the symbols of the nation. Armenia is also a country of the Sun. Due to prevalence of sunny days fruits and vegetables grown in Armenia are so delicious and aromatic. The country is a member of the Commonwealth of Independent Countries. In 1992 it became a member of the U N O.

If I were asked where on our planet one can meet more miracles I would have undoubtedly called Armenia first. Here, in this tiny corner of the world, you can see monuments and meet people which can become treasure and pride for the world.

Rockwell Kent , an American painter

Here whatever you touch, legends and old events awake out of the dim past.

In Armenia every season has its own charm and beauty. With spring in Armenia you hear the vital accords of Komitas's 'Spring', the fascinating sounds of Vivaldi's "Time of the Year" call you to rush out and dance with the wind. Winter is really wonderful in Armenian countryside. The air is crisp, the frozen snow rings under your feet. Spring in Armenia comes early. The weather is fine, but sometimes it is suddenly broken by occasional showers, the air becomes fresh and clean. In such weather ones want to get up at dawn somewhere in the countryside, run into the fields to drink in the fresh smell of field, flowers and sitting in a cosy nook to taste Armenian lavash with cheese and fresh herbs. In summer it is really fine in the Armenian countryside. Everything is in blossom. Summer in Armenia is very fruitful. The mornings are fresh filled with the odor of flowers and hay. Autumn is the best and the most awaited season in Armenia. It is the season of beautiful sunrise and sunset, unbelievable colors and fruits. It is a time of farewell beauty.