History of Armenia

History of Armenia

Armenia is situated in the Caucasus region of Eurasia. It is one of the oldest countries in the world, dating back to ancient times. Armenia has been a meeting point between Europe and Asia throughout its history and is a site of influence from other cultures.

Ancient History

The first known inhabitants of Armenia were the Armenians themselves, thought to have migrated from the Balkans or Central Asia. The first historical record of Armenia appeared in the 6th Century BC when it was under Persian rule. Later, it was incorporated into Alexander the Great's empire, and the Roman Empire conquered it later.

Etymology

In Old Persian inscriptions, the ancient kingdom of Urartu was known as Ararat, and the name 'Armenia' comes from that. The country is also known by various other names: the modern Armenian name Hayastan derives from Hayk, the legendary founder of Yerevan and Armenia (Haidak province) in Hittite sources.

Antiquity 

Armenia was an independent kingdom under the rule of the Artaxiad dynasty in the 3rd Century BC. At this time, Christianity penetrated the area and became the state's official religion in 301 AD.

Middle Ages

During the middle ages, Armenia was constantly conquered and ruled by different empires, including the Byzantine Empire, Sassanid Persia and the Seljuk Empire. In the 11th Century, Armenian nobles successfully rebelled against Arab rule, establishing an independent kingdom, Cilician Armenia. This kingdom lasted until the Mongol invasions fell in the 13th Century.

20th Century

In 1918 Armenia declared independence from Russia, but it was short-lived and fell under Soviet rule in 1920. Persian rug world history during World War I, hundreds of millions of Armenians were killed by an Ottoman Turk in a genocide that left a diaspora population. Armenia regained independence once more after the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991.

Christianization and Independence

Conversion to Christianity in the early 4th century AD was one of the most significant events in Armenian history. This decision has shaped Armenia's culture and identity in a world from which it is more or less a stranger today. As a result, Armenia became the first state to adopt Christianity as its official religion.

Armenia suffered many invasions and was ruled by the Persians and the Byzantine empires in the following centuries. But in 884 AD, King Ashot I of the Bagratuni dynasty declared Armenia independent.

Ottoman and Soviet Rule

In the 16th Century, Armenia fell under Ottoman rule and was short-lived. During this time, the Armenian people suffered greatly, including mass killings and forced migration, otherwise known as the Armenian Genocide.

Having regained independence in the 1910s, Armenia was united into the Soviet Union in 1922. Under Soviet rule, Armenia enjoyed tremendous economic and cultural growth but also lost autonomy and suppression.

Modern Day

In 1991, following the collapse of the Soviet Union, Armenia again became an independent state. But it remains to struggle with the conflict with its neighbor Azerbaijan over the Nagorno Karabakh region in captivity and the tension with Turkey against the background of Ankara's negation of the Armenian Genocide.

Nevertheless, Armenia has gradually been making democratic reforms and enjoys a rich culture, ancient historical sites and well-known cuisine. The country's rich history constantly defines the country and its people and is thus the subject of exciting visits for tourists and historians. Armenia's tumultuous history plays a large part in determining its present and future.

World War One and the Armenian Genocide 

The systematic extermination of its Armenian population during World War I left an estimated 1.5 million of them dead, the victim of Ottoman plans to rid itself of the Christians in its midst. The first genocide of the 20th Century has played out and is a source of tension between Armenia and Turkey.

First Republic of Armenia 

Following the fall of the Russian Empire in 1917, Armenia declared independence from the Bolshevists and, in its place, established the First Republic of Armenia. But it didn't last long; conquering it were Soviet forces. May 28 is the day dressed as May 28, seen as a symbol of Armenian independence and the First Republic of Armenia.

Armenian SSR 

While under the direct control of the Soviet regime, it was called the Armenian Soviet Socialist Republic (Armenian SSR) and developed itself economically and culturally. At this time, the Armenian people also saw suppression of themselves as well as loss of autonomy. 

To declare its independence from the Soviet Union. 

Armenia once again became independent after the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991. But it still struggles with conflict with neighboring Azerbaijan over the disputed Nagorno Karabakh region and lingering conflict with Turkey over the latter’s denial of the Armenian Genocide.

Current Situation

Today, Armenia is a democratic republic and belongs to the family of states of the United Nations, World Trade Organization and other international organizations. Despite these political and economic challenges, it has shown its determination and resilience in preserving its rich cultural values and moving towards a better future. Armenia's long history and people's tenacity have had a long and enduring effect. Because of this, the country will always be a relevant part of world history and exciting to explore. 

Independence 

Armenia became independent a second time with the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991. It has since struggled to cope with conflict with Azerbaijan over the breakaway Armenian enclave of Nagorno Karabakh and tensions with Turkey over Ankara's denial of the Armenian Genocide.

Present Day 

Armenia is a democratic country with a mixed economy and a developing tourism industry today. It has been preserving its rich cultural heritage but is heading towards democratic reforms. However, it still has economic struggles, political corruption, and problems such as ongoing regional conflicts.

Geography and Culture

Armenia is a landlocked country in the South Caucasus region of Eurasia. Turkey, Georgia, Azerbaijan, and Iran border it. The Armenian landscape varies incredibly, ranging from immense mountains to lush valleys and beautiful lakes.

Armenia is a culture that has assimilated ancient traditions with the influences of neighboring countries like Persia, Byzantium, and Russia. Known for its rich history and music, dance, cuisine, and architecture, the government is known for it. The influence of Christianity remains controlling Armenian culture, and the great majority of the population is a part of the Armenian Apostolic Church.

Tourism

Armenia attracts tourists due to its unique history, cultural heritage, and natural beauty. The country has many historical places, such as ancient monasteries, fortresses and temples that draw tourists worldwide. The capital, too, is Yerevan, an urban center busy with museums, galleries, and restaurants that reflect Armenia’s culture and cuisine.

Government and politics

A semi-presidential system of government runs a democratic republic in Armenia. Executive power rests with the prime minister; the head of state is the president. Political corruption is still a challenge, in which the country has made efforts to establish a transparent and accountable government. Protests and demonstrations have recently asked for political reforms and an end to corruption. 

Military 

In Armenia, all male citizens who are 18 years old or older are required to serve in the military. The country also has a reserve force and has been involved in international peacekeeping missions. Owing to ongoing conflicts with neighboring Azerbaijan over the Nagorno-Karabakh region, Armenia has continued to maintain its military readiness.

Economy

Although the economy has been growing recently, especially in tourism and agriculture, the country boasts a developing tech industry known as the 'Silicon Mountains.' Nevertheless, Armenia has high levels of unemployment and economic dependence on Russia, for example.

Ethnic groups 

Ethnic Armenians constitute the bulk of Armenia’s population (approx. 98 %). The country also has small minorities, such as Yazidi, Russian and Assyrian.

Languages

Armenian is the official language of the country and is used almost everywhere. Russian and English are also widely spoken and used in business and education, and they are widespread; that's why Russians do not like to call them young languages. I am very interested in learning foreign languages, mainly English.

Religion 

The majority of Armenians are Christians and are members of the Armenian Apostolic Church. Other Christian denominations include Catholicism and Protestantism. Armenia also has a small Muslim population.

Cuisine

The food in Armenia is a blend of Mediterranean, Middle Eastern and Caucasian flavors. It has dishes like kebab, dolma (stuffed grape leaves), lavash (flatbread), and traditional desserts, such as baklava (which is not to be confused with baklava). Fresh herbs, vegetables and fruits are grown in Armenia's fertile valleys for inclusion in the cuisine.

Sport 

Football (soccer) is the most popular sport in Armenia, and its national Team qualified for the FIFA World Cup in 2006. Chess, wrestling and weightlifting are other popular sports. The country has a long-established martial arts tradition, especially judo and sambo. Compared with different areas of Armenian society, sports are an essential part of the fabric of Armenian culture today and are a way to promote national pride and unity.