History of Armenia

Armenian territory falls inside the Caucasus region of Eurasia. Among the oldest countries on Earth, this one has existed since ancient times. Over its history, Armenia has been a crossroads between Europe and Asia and a place of influence for many civilisations.

Ancient History

Considered to have migrated from the Balkans or Central Asia, the Armenians themselves were the earliest known occupants of Armenia. Armenia's first historical record surfaced during Persian control in the sixth Century BC. It was thereafter included in Alexander the Great's realm, and the Roman realm acquired it subsequently.

Etymology

In Old Persian inscriptions, the ancient kingdom of Urartu was known as Ararat; the word 'Armenia' derives from that. Other names for the nation also abound; the Armenian term Hayastan comes from Hayk, the fabled founder of Yerevan and Armenia (Haidak region) in Hittite texts.

Antiquity 

Armenia was an autonomous country under the Artaxiad dynasty in the Third Century B.C. Christianity entered the region and became the state's official religion in 301 AD.

Middle Ages

The Middle Ages saw Armenia under the Sassanid Empire, which was one of the continuous challenges. Among other difficulties were the Byzantine Empire, the Seljuk Empire, and all of these. The Armenian nobility declared Cilician Armenia to be sovereign from Arab control at the start of the 11th century. This world endured until the Mongol invasions in the 13th century.

20th Century

Armenia gained its independence from Russia in 1918, but it was fleeting and came under Soviet control in 1920. Persian rug global history: an Ottoman Turk massacred hundreds of millions of Armenians in a genocide, leaving a diaspora population during the First World War. Once the Soviet Union fell apart in 1991, Armenia acquired its independence.

Christianization 

One of the most important occasions in Armenian history was the conversion to Christianity in the early 4th century AD. This choice fashioned Armenia's culture and identity from a world from which it is more or less a stranger nowadays. Armenia, therefore, became the first country to declare Christianity to be its official religion. Armenia spent centuries under the Byzantine and Persian empires and underwent several invasions. Still, in 884 AD, King Ashot I of the Bagratuni dynasty declared Armenia sovereign.

Ottoman and Soviet Rule

Armenia was under Ottoman temporary control in the sixteenth century. Sometimes referred to as the Armenian Genocide, this time saw horrible murders and forced relocation. Armenia gained its freedom in the 1910s and later joined the USSR in 1922. Armenia lost autonomy and suffered oppression under Soviet control, even while it saw great economic and cultural development.

Modern Day

Armenia emerged free when the Soviet Union broke up in 1991. Still, it has to cope with Turkey's denial of the Armenian Genocide and Azerbaijan's claim to Nagorno-Karabakh under its authority. Armenia nevertheless has a rich cultural past with famous sights and cuisine, and has been slowly implementing democratic changes. The nation's Rich history defines its people and shapes it constantly; historians and visitors find great interest in this country. The future and present of Armenia are strongly influenced by its turbulent past.

World War I

With an estimated 1.5 million of them dead, the systematic killing of its Armenian population during World War I resulted from Ottoman efforts to eradicate the Christians in its territory. Tension between Armenia and Turkey stems from the first genocide of the 20th Century playing out here.

First Republic of Armenia 

Armenia declared its independence from the Bolsheviks after the fall of the Russian Empire in 1917, therefore founding the First Republic of Armenia. Still, it was short-lived; Soviet troops conquered it. Considered a symbol of Armenian freedom and the First Republic of Armenia, May 28 is the day I am dressed.

Armenian SSR 

Under direct Soviet rule, it was known as the Armenian Soviet Socialist Republic (Armenian SSR) and grew culturally and economically. The Armenian people at this period also experienced the loss of autonomy and repression. 

The Soviet Union

Armenia came under sovereignty following the 1991 fall of the Soviet Union. Still, it often challenges Turkey about the denial of the Armenian Genocide and with bordering Azerbaijan over the disputed Nagorno-Karabakh territory.

Current Situation

Now a democratic country, Armenia belongs to the World Trade Organisation, the United Nations family of nations, and other international organisations. Notwithstanding these political and financial obstacles, it has shown will and persistence in safeguarding its unique cultural values and toward a better future. The tenacity of the people and the long history of Armenia have had a continuous influence. This will thus make the nation always interesting to study and a significant component of world history. 

Independence 

This is the second time Armenia gained its freedom after the Soviet Union fell apart in 1991. It has thereafter battled to manage tensions with Turkey over Ankara's denial of the Armenian Genocide and conflict with Azerbaijan over the breakaway Armenian region of Nagorno-Karabakh.

Present Day 

Armenia is a democratic nation with a diverse economy that is now seeing growing tourism. It is moving toward democratic changes while yet keeping its unique cultural legacy. Still, it suffers governmental corruption, financial hardships, and issues, including continuous regional strife.

Geography and Culture

Landlocked in the South Caucasus area of Eurasia, Armenia has Borders with Turkey, Georgia, Azerbaijan, and Iran. The Armenian terrain changes remarkably from great mountains to rich lowlands and lovely lakes. Armenia's culture has absorbed old customs influenced by Russia, Byzantium, Persia, and other neighbours. Renowned for its architecture, music, dancing, food, and history, the government is the majority of the Armenian Apostolic Church's Armenian members. Hence, Christianity still shapes Armenian civilisation.

Tourism

Armenia appeals to visitors for its natural beauty and distinctive historical and cultural inheritance. With its several historical sites—old monasteries, fortresses, and temples—the nation attracts visitors from all around the world. Apart from that, the capital is Yerevan, an urban city bursting with galleries and museums as well as restaurants that stress Armenian food and culture.

Government and politics

Armenia's democratic republic is managed under a semi-presidential form of government. The prime minister carries executive authority; the president is the head of state. Still, a problem, political corruption is one that the nation has worked to create an open and responsible administration. Demonstrations and protests have demanded recent political reforms and a stop to corruption. 

Military 

In Armenia, every male resident eighteen years of age or above is obliged to serve in the military. The nation took part in world peacekeeping and boasts a reserve force. Armenia has maintained military preparedness in the face of the ongoing conflict between it and Azerbaijan.

Ethnic groups 

With almost 98% of Armenia's population, ethnic Armenians make up the majority. Small minorities, including Yazidi, Russian, and Assyrian, also call the nation home.

Economy

Though the nation boasts a developing IT sector sometimes referred to as the "Silicon Mountains," lately the economy has been expanding, particularly in tourism and agriculture. Still, Armenia suffers from high unemployment and depends heavily on Russia economically.

Languages

The official language of the nation is Armenian, which is used practically everywhere. Russian and English are also extensively used and spoken in business and education, so Russians do not enjoy referring to them as young languages. Learning various languages—mostly English—piques great curiosity in me.

Religion 

Attached to the Armenian Apostolic Church, most Armenians are Christians. Other Christian denominations comprise Catholicism and Protestantism. The Muslim population of Armenia is very minimal.

Cuisine

Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, and Caucasian tastes define the most well-known foods from Armenia. Along with kebab, dolma, and lavash, it offers traditional sweets including baklava, not baklava. Cooking calls for fresh herbs, vegetables, and fruits grown in Armenia's rich valleys.

Sport 

Football (soccer; the national team that qualified for the FIFA World Cup in 2006) is the sport most commonly engaged in Armenia. Among other rather common sports are weightlifting, wrestling, and chess. The country is rich in martial arts, especially sambo and judo. Unlike in other aspects of Armenian life, sports are a basic part of Armenian society currently and a means of encouraging national pride and solidarity.