When did Armenia unite and what year? Ancient Armenia: history, dates, culture. Rivers and lakes of Armenia

Small Armenia connects Europe with Asia. Once upon a time, Armenia was one of the largest states in the Middle East and Transcaucasia, which competed with the Parthian kingdom and Ancient Rome. Now Armenia is a modern country with hospitable people, ancient history, a huge number of historical monuments, rich culture, delicious food, and beautiful nature. In addition, there are several ski and balneological resorts in Armenia.

Geography of Armenia

Armenia is located in Transcaucasia. In the west, Armenia borders with Turkey, in the east with Azerbaijan and Karabakh, in the north with Georgia, and in the south with Iran. The total area of ​​this country is 29,743 square meters. km., and the total length of the state border is 1,254 km. Armenia has no access to the sea.

Armenia occupies part of the territory of the Armenian Highlands. We can safely say that Armenia is a mountainous country. The highest peak in Armenia is Mount Aragats, whose height reaches 4,095 meters. Previously, Mount Ararat belonged to Armenia, but now this peak is located in Turkey. The most beautiful mountains of Armenia are adjacent to numerous valleys. The largest of them is the Ararat Valley.

There are more than 9 thousand rivers in Armenia, of course, most of them are small. But the largest river in Transcaucasia, the Araks, flows through the territory of Armenia.

Svan Lake is a 2-hour drive from Yerevan. This lake is the pride of every Armenian.

Capital

Since ancient times, the capital of Armenia has been Yerevan, which is now home to about 1.2 million people. Archaeologists claim that people lived on the territory of modern Yerevan already in the 8th century BC.

Official language of Armenia

The official language in Armenia is Armenian, which belongs to the Indo-European language family.

Religion

Most of the population of Armenia are Orthodox Christians (they belong to the Armenian Apostolic Church).

State structure of Armenia

According to the current Constitution of 1995, Armenia is a parliamentary republic. Its head is the President, elected for 5 years.

In Armenia, the local unicameral Parliament is called the National Assembly (131 deputies). Members of the National Assembly are elected by popular vote for a 5-year term.

The main political parties in Armenia are the Republican Party of Armenia, Prosperous Armenia, the Armenian National Congress, and the Land of Law.

Climate and weather

Almost the entire territory of Armenia is located in a continental, high-mountain climate. Only in the south of Armenia the climate is subtropical. In the mountains, in summer the average air temperature ranges from +10C to +22C, and in winter – from +2C to -14C. On the plains in January the average air temperature is -5C, and in July - +25C.

The amount of precipitation depends on the altitude of a particular region of Armenia. On average, annual precipitation falls from 200 to 800 mm in Armenia.

The best time to visit Armenia is from May to October.

Rivers and lakes of Armenia

More than 9 thousand rivers flow through the territory of Armenia. Most of them are small. The largest river in Armenia is the Araks, which is considered the largest in the entire Transcaucasus.

Relatively close to Yerevan, about a 2-hour drive, is Lake Svan. Every Armenian is proud of this lake, almost as proud as Mount Ararat, although it now belongs to Turkey.

History of Armenia

People on the territory of modern Armenia already lived in the Bronze Age. In the VIII-VI centuries BC. e. On the territory of modern Armenia there was the state of Urartu.

In the II century. BC e. Several Armenian states were formed - Sophene, as well as Greater Armenia and Lesser Armenia.

In 301 BC. Christianity became the state religion of Armenia. In the early Middle Ages, Armenia was part of the Arab Caliphate.

In the 9th-11th centuries, several states existed on the territory of modern Armenia - the Ani kingdom, the Vaspurakan kingdom, the Kars kingdom, the Syunik kingdom, and the Tashir-Dzoraget kingdom.

In the 11th-16th centuries, Armenia was part of the empire of the Seljuk Turks, the Georgian kingdom, and the Oghuz tribal union. In the 16th-19th centuries, the territory of Armenia was divided between Iran and the Ottoman Empire.

According to the Turkmanchay Peace Treaty of 1828, most of Armenia was included in the Russian Empire. Only in 1918 was the independent Republic of Armenia formed, which then became part of the Transcaucasian Soviet Federative Socialist Republic. In 1922, Armenia became part of the USSR.

At the end of the 1980s, sentiments about secession from the USSR became strong in Armenia. As a result, in September 1991, Armenia declared its independence.

In 1992, Armenia became a member of the UN.

Culture

Armenia only became an independent country in 1991. Before that, for many centuries it was part of the USSR, the Russian Empire, the Ottoman Empire, Iran, the Georgian Kingdom, and the Empire of the Seljuk Turks. All these states tried to “blur” Armenian culture and impose their cultural traditions on the residents of Armenia. However, despite this, the Armenians managed to preserve their identity, their customs and traditions.

Every winter, Armenians celebrate the Valentine's Day Trndez. On this day, in order to be happy, Armenians need to jump over the fire.

Another interesting Armenian festival is the summer “water festival” Vardavar. On this day, Armenians splash water on each other; it is believed that in this way girls and boys attract each other’s attention (i.e. it is a holiday for lovers). The origins of the Vardavar holiday go back to the times when Armenia was not a Christian country.

Kitchen

Armenians are very proud of their cuisine, and it should be noted that it is deservedly so. The main food products are meat, vegetables, dairy products (especially salted cheese), fish, fruits, and lavash bread. In Armenian cuisine, much attention is paid to spices.

When Armenians have nowhere to rush, they take a very long time to have lunch. The main reason for this tradition is table conversation.

In Armenia, we definitely recommend that tourists (along with shish kebab) try the following dishes:

- “Tolma” - lamb in grape leaf;
- “Putuk” - lamb soup;
- “Khash” - beef soup;
- “Kufta” - meat balls;
- “Basturma” - dried beef meat.

In addition, in Armenia they cook very tasty trout from Lake Svan - try it. In general, fish dishes in Armenia are all very tasty.

Very tasty fruits and berries are grown in Armenia - peaches, plums, apples, pears, cherry plums, cherries, dogwoods, grapes.

Traditional soft drinks in Armenia are “Tarragon”, fruit juices, mineral water, dairy drinks (kefir, yogurt).

Excellent wines and cognacs are made in Armenia. Try it and you will see for yourself.

Sights of Armenia

According to official data, there are now about 26 thousand historical and architectural monuments in Armenia. Since 2005, a national program for the restoration of architectural and historical monuments has been implemented in Armenia. Thus, in 2012 alone, in Armenia, at the expense of the state budget, 9 medieval monuments were restored (for example, the Church of St. Hovhannes and the Kobayravank Monastery of the 12th century were restored). In our opinion, the Top 10 best Armenian attractions may include the following:

1. Etchmiadzin Monastery
2. Ruins of Zvartnots Temple
3. Kecharis Monastery near Tsaghkadzor
4. Garni fortress in Abovyan region
5. Amberd fortress of the princes of Pahlavuni
6. Harichavan monastery complex near Gyumri
7. Shatinvank Monastery in southeast Armenia
8. St. Katoghik Church in Yerevan
9. Ruins of the Avan Temple in Yerevan
10. Sisavan Church in Zangezur

Cities and resorts

The largest Armenian cities are Gyumri, Vanadzor, and, of course, Yerevan.

There are a lot of mineral springs in Armenia, and, as a result, balneological resorts. The most popular of them is Arzni, located 10 kilometers from Yerevan. Among other balneological and mountain climatic resorts in Armenia, Hankavan, Vanadzor, Arevik, Jermuk, Arevik, Tsakhkadzor, and Dilijan should be noted.

Since Armenia is a mountainous country, it is not surprising that it has several ski resorts. Thus, 40 kilometers from Yerevan is the Tsakhkadzor ski resort, which has 12 kilometers of ski slopes. By the way, the ski season at the Tsakhkadzor ski resort lasts from mid-November to mid-April.

Souvenirs/shopping

Tourists from Armenia usually bring folk art products, Armenian musical instruments (zurna, tar, shvi, dool, duduk), Armenian headdresses, wine horn, backgammon (for example, walnut backgammon), and, of course, Armenian cognac, as well as wine.

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ARMENIA
1. historical region
historical region in Western Asia, located on the lands of Asia Minor and Transcaucasia. The boundaries of the area have changed over the centuries; The Republic of Armenia is considered its territorial core.
2.
state
(self-name Hayastan), Republic of Armenia, a state in western Asia, in Transcaucasia. Area 29.8 thousand square meters. km. It borders on the north with Georgia, on the east on Azerbaijan, on the south on Iran and Azerbaijan, and on the west on Turkey. The capital of Armenia is Yerevan.

Armenia. The capital is Yerevan. Population: 3.62 thousand people (1997). Density: 121 people per 1 sq. km. Ratio of urban and rural population: 68% and 32%. Area: 29.8 thousand sq. km. Highest point: Mount Aragats (4090 m above sea level). Lowest point: 350 m. Official language: Armenian. Main religion: Christianity (Armenian-Gregorian). Administrative-territorial division: 11 regions (marzes). Monetary unit: dram. National holiday: Independence Day - May 28. National anthem: "Our Fatherland".

The first Armenian state of Urartu was formed in the area of ​​\u200b\u200bLake. Van in the 7th century BC. Armenian states, both small and large in size, sometimes independent, sometimes dependent on stronger neighbors, existed until the 11th century. AD The historical territory of Armenia was at various times under the rule of the Seljuks, Georgians, Mongols, and then, in the 11th-16th centuries. - Turks, after which it was divided between Turkey and Persia. At the beginning of the 19th century. Russia conquered Persian Armenia and part of Turkish Armenia. On most of the territory of Russian Armenia, the independent Republic of Armenia was formed in May 1918, and Soviet power was established there in 1920. In 1922, Armenia, together with Georgia and Azerbaijan, formed the Transcaucasian Socialist Federative Soviet Republic (TSFSR), which joined the USSR. In 1936, the federation was abolished, and Armenia became a union republic within the USSR. After the collapse of the USSR in 1991, the Republic of Armenia was restored. On December 21, 1991, it became a member of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS).
NATURE
Surface structure. The Republic of Armenia is located in the northeast of the Armenian Highlands. There is a complex combination of folded and volcanic mountains, lava plateaus, accumulative plains, river valleys and lake basins. About 90% of the country's area is located at altitudes above 1000 m above sea level. (average altitude 1800 m). The highest point is Mount Aragats (4090 m). The lowest heights, about 350 m, are confined to the gorges of the Debed rivers in the northeast of the country and the Araks rivers in the southwest and southeast. In the northeast of Armenia rise the mountains of the central part of the Lesser Caucasus. In the north-west and center of the country there is a vast volcanic region with lava plateaus and highlands, as well as extinct volcanoes, including the huge four-domed Mount Aragats. In the south there are folded mountains, dissected by a dense network of valleys, many of which are deep gorges. In the west, the Ararat Plain, which is distinguished by a rather flat topography, partially extends into the borders of Armenia.

Rivers and lakes. The longest river in Armenia, the Araks, flows along the borders with Turkey and Iran and flows into the Kura River on the territory of Azerbaijan. Large tributaries of the Araks on the territory of Armenia are Akhuryan, Kasakh, Hrazdan, Arpa and Vorotan. The rivers Debed, Agstev and Akhum flow into the Kura, which flows into the Caspian Sea. Of the more than a hundred lakes in Armenia, the largest - Sevan - is confined to the intermountain basin in the east of the country. The lake's edge was 1914 m above sea level, area - 1417 sq. km. After the implementation of the hydropower project in 1948, the area of ​​Sevan was reduced to 1240 square meters. km, and the level dropped by 15 m. Attempts to raise the level of the lake again by artificially diverting some small rivers into its waters did not improve the situation, and the polluted waters of these rivers led to the death of many species of fish.
Climate. There are six climatic regions in Armenia. In the extreme southeast, at altitudes less than 1000 m, the climate is dry subtropical with long hot summers and mild snowless winters. On the Ararat Plain and in the Arpa River basin, the climate is dry continental with hot summers, cold winters and little precipitation. In the foothills around the Ararat Plain, the climate is moderately dry with warm summers, cold winters and heavy rainfall (up to 640 mm per year). In the north of the country, at altitudes of 1500-1800 m, the climate is moderately cold with cool summers and frosty winters with heavy snowfalls; the average annual precipitation is 760 mm. At high altitudes (1800-3000 m) the climate is even more severe. Above 3000 m, mountain-tundra landscapes appear. The soils of Armenia are developed mainly on volcanic rocks. At relatively low altitudes, mountain-brown and mountain-chestnut soils are common, and in some places there are solonetzes and solonchaks. In the middle mountain zone, mountain chernozems are widely represented, and at high altitudes mountain-meadow soils are found.
Vegetation and fauna. The most common plant formations in Armenia are steppes and semi-deserts. At low altitudes, wormwood semi-deserts are developed, in some places turning into saltwort and Achillean-Juzgun deserts. The middle mountain belt is dominated by cereal and forb-grass steppes, which give way to meadow steppes and alpine meadows with increasing altitude. Broad-leaved forests with a predominance of oak, beech and hornbeam occupy no more than 1/8 of the country's area and are confined to its northeastern regions. The forest plantations include poplar and walnut. Significant areas on volcanic plateaus are occupied by stone placers practically devoid of vegetation. The most common mammals in Armenia are the wolf, bear, hare, fox, badger, and also the bezoar goat, mouflon, roe deer, lynx, leopard, forest and reed cat, wild boar, porcupine, squirrel, jackal, gopher, and marten. Numerous species of birds nest: crane, stork, partridge, quail, black grouse, eagle, vulture, snowcock. The crane (krunk in Armenian) is the national symbol of the country. Among many reptiles, the poisonous Caucasian viper stands out. Scorpions pose a great danger. Lake fish include Sevan trout, Ishkhan, Khramulya and barbel. Sika and red deer, as well as nutria, are acclimatized in Armenia, and whitefish in Sevan.
POPULATION
According to the 1989 census, the population of Armenia was 3283 thousand people and ethnic Armenians accounted for 93.3%. Significant minorities were Azerbaijanis (2.6%), Kurds (1.7%) and Russians (1.5%). As a result of the ethnic conflicts of 1989-1993, almost all Azerbaijanis left the country, and 200 thousand Armenians living in Azerbaijan moved to Armenia.
Ethnogenesis. The prevailing opinion is that the Armenians are the descendants of Indo-European peoples who migrated to Asia Minor from the Balkan Peninsula. Moving east through Anatolia, they reached the Armenian Highlands, where they mixed with the local population. According to one of the new versions, the Armenian Highlands is the ancestral home of the Indo-Europeans, and the Armenians are the descendants of the aborigines of this area (Urartians).
Language. The Armenian language belongs to the family of Indo-European languages. Classical Armenian (ancient Armenian Grabar - a written language) is currently used only in worship. The modern Armenian language has two main, closely interrelated dialects: the eastern (also called Araratian), spoken by the population of the Republic of Armenia and Armenians living in other CIS countries and Iran, and the western dialect, spoken by Armenians living in Turkey or natives of this country. Armenians have their own alphabet, created by Mesrop Mashtots at the beginning of the 5th century. AD
Religion. The Armenians were converted to Christianity thanks to the activities of St. Gregory the Illuminator (Armenian Grigor Lusavorich) in 301 or slightly later, in 314 AD. Thus, Armenia became the first country to adopt Christianity as a state religion. Although the Armenian Apostolic Church was initially independent, it maintained ties with other Christian churches until the first ecumenical councils - Chalcedon (451) and Constantinople (553), and then retained close ties only with the Monophysite churches - Coptic (Egypt), Ethiopian and Jacobite (Syria) ). The Armenian Church is headed by the Catholicos of All Armenians, whose residence has been in Etchmiadzin since 1441. Four dioceses (patriarchies) are subordinate to him: Echmiadzin, Cilicia (from 1293 to 1930 residence in the city of Sis, now the city of Kozan in Turkey, and from 1930 - in Antelia, Lebanon ), Jerusalem (founded in 1311) and Constantinople (founded in the 16th century). From the 12th century a small part of Armenians began to recognize the supremacy of the Roman Catholic Church and the Pope. Supported by Dominican missionaries of the Order of Jesus (Jesuits), they united into the Armenian Catholic Church with the patriarchal seat in Beirut (Lebanon). The spread of Protestantism among Armenians was facilitated by American Congregational missionaries who arrived from Boston in 1830. Since then, there have been many Armenian Protestant congregations.

Cities. The capital city of Yerevan (1250 thousand people, estimated in 1990), founded in the 8th century. BC, the largest in the country. The metro has been operating there since 1981. Gyumri (from 1924 to 1992 Leninakan) with a population of 120 thousand people (1989) was the second largest city, but was badly damaged during the Spitak earthquake in December 1988. Now its place is occupied by Vanadzor (from 1935 to 1992 Kirovakan) with a population of 150 thousand . Human.

GOVERNMENT AND POLITICS
On August 23, 1990, Armenia declared sovereignty, and on September 23, 1991 - independence. The reorganization of the structure of state power was completed in 1992.
Political system. The head of state is the president, elected for a five-year term. The highest legislative body is the National Assembly, elected for a term of five years. The highest executive and administrative body is the government of the Republic of Armenia. The first president was elected in October 1991.
Local control. Since 1995, according to the Law on the New Administrative Division, Armenia consists of 11 regions (marzes) governed by governors. However, all important decisions are within the competence of the country's government.
Political organizations. The Communist Party of Armenia (CPA), founded in 1920, was the only party in power during the Soviet period. At the CPA congress in September 1991, a decision was made to dissolve it. The Democratic Party of Armenia (DPA) was created on the basis of the CPA. In 1989, the Armenian National Movement (ANM) became the successor to the Karabakh Committee, which was organized in 1988 by a group of Yerevan intellectuals demanding the reunification of Nagorno-Karabakh (an autonomous region of Azerbaijan populated mainly by Armenians; formerly part of Armenia, but transferred to Azerbaijan in 1923) with Armenia. ). In 1990, in the elections to the Armenian parliament, the ANM received 36% of the votes. One of its leaders, Levon Ter-Petrosyan, was elected president of the country in 1991 and re-elected in 1996, but resigned a year later due to disagreements with parliament on the Karabakh issue. In the 1998 presidential elections, Robert Kocharyan received the majority of votes. Immediately after the declaration of independence of the Republic of Armenia, Armenian political parties that existed before the establishment of Soviet power were legalized there. One of these parties, Dashnaktsutyun (Armenian Revolutionary Union), founded in 1890, was in power in independent Armenia in 1918-1920. During Soviet times, it was outlawed, but continued its activities in the Armenian foreign diaspora and was restored to its rights in 1991. In the same year, the Liberal Democratic (Armenian Democratic League) and Social Democratic parties were legalized. In addition, in 1990-1991, new parties were created in Armenia itself, including the National Democratic Union, the Democratic Freedom Party and the National Self-Determination Union. The organization of Karabakh war veterans turned into a powerful political movement, closely associated in 1997-1998 with the Ministry of Defense. In 1998, former CPA leader Karen Demirchyan, aspiring to take the presidency, formed a new political party.
Armed forces and police. The Armenian police are the successor of the Soviet police. Some volunteer and paramilitary formations arose after 1988 and acquired equipment from military units of the USSR stationed on the territory of the republic. They were replaced by regular units of the national armed forces of Armenia, which took the oath of allegiance to the republic in the fall of 1991.
Foreign policy. Under President Ter-Petrossian, the Republic of Armenia has established close ties with Russia, as well as with the United States and France, where there are large prosperous Armenian communities. At first, Ter-Petrosyan made attempts to establish good neighborly relations with Turkey, but it was not successful due to the Karabakh conflict. Although the Ter-Petrosyan government refused to recognize the independence of the self-proclaimed republic of Nagorno-Karabakh and demand its annexation to Armenia, the very support provided by Armenia to this republic gave rise to deep hostility between Armenia and Azerbaijan, which escalated in 1991-1993. Armenia joined the CIS in 1991 and was admitted to the UN on March 2, 1992. In recent years, Russia has become Armenia's closest ally, and relations with Iran have also improved.
ECONOMY
At the beginning of the 20th century. Armenia was an agricultural country, the basis of its economy was livestock and crop production. Industry was poorly developed, there were only small mines and cognac factories. Industrialization began immediately after the establishment of Soviet power. After the collapse of the USSR, most of Armenia’s industry related to servicing the military-industrial complex ceased to function. There are many unemployed in the country (about 120 thousand people, or 10.8% of the working population). The main industrial center of Armenia is Yerevan, followed by Gyumri and Vanadzor. The economy of Armenia has always been the most vulnerable compared to other republics of the former USSR. There is no oil there (unlike Azerbaijan), there are no fertile lands and no access to the sea (unlike Georgia). As a result of the economic blockade, Armenia found itself cut off from Turkey and Azerbaijan, and also temporarily from Georgia when there was a civil war there. 90% of Armenian freight traffic was previously sent by rail through Abkhazia, but this route is still closed, and Armenia's only access to the world market is through Iran. The current state and prospects for the development of the country's economy are closely related to the solution of the Karabakh problem. Currently, most of the aid coming from abroad goes to Nagorno-Karabakh. After concluding a truce on the Karabakh front (in May 1994) and receiving funds from the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank, the country's economy stabilized. Immediately after the declaration of independence, the process of privatization began. The national currency is now quite stable, inflation has decreased from 5000% to 8-10%, and there has been an increase in gross domestic product by 5-7% (according to official data). In 1997, exports were estimated at $300 million, and imports at $800 million.
Energy. In 1962, the construction of the Sevan-Hrazdan irrigation complex and a cascade of hydroelectric power stations, which began in 1937, was completed. Six hydroelectric power stations were built on the Hrazdan River and many irrigation canals and reservoirs, and tunnels were built in the mountains to discharge river waters into the lake. Sevan in order to replenish its water reserves. As a result, part of the electricity generated in the republic was exported to Georgia and Azerbaijan in exchange for natural gas. Power plants running on gas fuel were built in Yerevan, Hrazdan and Vanadzor. In 1970 they provided more energy than hydroelectric power plants. In 1977-1979, a powerful nuclear power plant with two power units was commissioned in Metsamor near Yerevan, fully satisfying the republic’s electricity needs. In particular, the requests of an aluminum plant and a large plant for the production of synthetic rubber and automobile tires were met. The Armenian nuclear power plant was shut down shortly after the Spitak earthquake out of fear that aftershocks would lead to catastrophic consequences in Armenia itself and adjacent areas of Turkey. Due to the energy crisis, the nuclear power plant was restarted in 1996.
Transport. The transport network consists of an electrified railway with a length of 830 km leading to Iran, and many highways with a total length of 9,500 km, crossing the borders of the republic at 12 points. The main highways connect the Araks Valley and the Ararat Valley through Aghstev with the Kura Valley (Georgia), Yerevan and Zangezur through southern Armenia, Yerevan, Gyumri and Akhalkalaki (Georgia). Yerevan Zvartnots Airport serves flights to Moscow, Beirut, Paris, Tbilisi and other cities.
Agriculture. 1340 thousand hectares of land are used in Armenian agriculture. However, large tracts of arable land are available only in three areas: on the Ararat Plain, where two or three crops are usually harvested a year, in the Araks River valley and on the plains around Lake. Sevan. Soil erosion is one of the serious obstacles to the development of agriculture. Only 1/3 of agricultural land is suitable for cultivation. The main crops are vegetables, melons, potatoes, wheat, grapes, fruit trees. Livestock farming specializes in dairy and beef cattle breeding and especially sheep breeding, which is common in mountainous areas. In 1987, there were 280 collective farms and 513 state farms in Armenia. After 1991, almost 80% of the land was transferred to peasants. However, during 1992-1997, sown areas decreased by 25%, and the volume of sales of agricultural products in 1997 amounted to 40% of the 1990 level. About half of agricultural products are consumed by peasant farms themselves. Minerals and mining. Armenia is rich in ore deposits, especially copper. There are known deposits of manganese, molybdenum, copper, iron, zinc, lead, tin, silver, and gold. There are huge reserves of building stone, especially the easily processed volcanic tuff. There are many mineral springs in the country. Some of them, for example Arzni and Jermuk, have important balneological significance. In Armenia, mining and processing of building materials is carried out on a large scale: basalt, perlite, limestone, pumice, marble, etc. A lot of cement is produced. Copper ore mined in Kafan, Kajaran, Agarak and Akhtala is sent to the Alaverdi metallurgical plant, which smelts copper. The non-ferrous metallurgy of Armenia also produces aluminum and molybdenum.
Manufacturing industry. After 1953, the central planning bodies of the USSR oriented Armenia towards the development of the chemical industry, non-ferrous metallurgy, metalworking, mechanical engineering, textile industry, production of building materials, as well as viticulture, fruit growing, production of wines, brandy and cognacs. Later, precision instrument making, the production of synthetic rubber and plastics, chemical fiber and electrical appliances were added to this list. In terms of the volume of electrical products produced, Armenia ranked third among the union republics of the USSR, and in terms of the volume of machine tool production - fifth. However, the most important role was played by the chemical industry, which produced mineral fertilizers, synthetic stones for the production of tools and watches, and fiberglass (based on the processing of local tuffs and basalts).
Finance. In November 1993, a new currency was introduced - the dram. It was initially extremely unstable, which generated significant inflation, but foreign assistance contributed to the rapid improvement of the financial situation. Only in 1993 Armenia received loans worth millions of dollars from Western countries. The World Bank provided a loan of $12 million, the United States allocated $1 million for the purchase of seed wheat, and Russia provided a loan of 20 billion rubles. (approx. $5 million) for the purchase of Russian oil and agricultural products. The dram gradually stabilized and became the basis of monetary circulation in the republic. In 1994, 52 local and 8 foreign banks operated in Armenia. The UN, USA, Japan and other countries continue to provide financial assistance to Armenia.
CULTURE

From the 7th century AD Armenia was an outpost of Christianity in the Muslim world. The Armenian (Monophysite) church preserved the traditions of Eastern Christianity, which opposed both its western and eastern branches, from which it was isolated. After Armenia lost its independence (1375), it was the church that contributed to the survival of the Armenian people. Since the 17th century. Contacts are established with Italy, then with France and somewhat later with Russia (from where Western ideas penetrated indirectly). For example, the famous Armenian writer and public figure Mikael Nalbandyan was an ally of such Russian “Westerners” as Herzen and Ogarev. Later, cultural ties between Armenia and the United States began.
Education. Conductors of education until the mid-19th century. Christian monasteries remained. The enlightenment of the people and the development of culture were greatly facilitated by the creation of Armenian schools in the Ottoman Empire by Armenian Catholic monks from the Mkhitarist order (established in 1717 in Venice by Mkhitar, a native of Sebastia, Turkey) and the activities of American Congregational missionaries in the 1830s. In addition, the Armenian Church, as well as many Armenians who were educated at universities in Western Europe and the USA, helped organize Armenian schools in areas where Armenians lived densely. Numerous representatives of the Armenian people in the 19th-20th centuries. received their education in Russia, especially after the creation of an Armenian school in Moscow by Joachim Lazaryan in 1815, which was transformed in 1827 into the Lazarev Institute of Oriental Languages. From its walls came many outstanding Armenian poets and writers, as well as the famous Russian military and statesman, Minister of Internal Affairs in 1880-1881, Count M. Loris-Melikov. The famous marine painter I.K. Aivazovsky was educated at the St. Petersburg Academy of Arts. A major role in the cultural life of the Armenians of the Russian Empire was also played by the Nersesyan school in Tiflis (Tbilisi), founded in 1824, schools in Yerevan (1830s), in Etchmiadzin, as well as “schools for girls” in Yerevan, Tiflis and Alexandropol (now Gyumri). Mention should also be made of the Armenian schools in Venice and Constantinople. During the Soviet period, an extensive education system was created in Armenia. Currently, in addition to numerous primary and secondary schools, there are Yerevan State University, State Engineering University, Institute of National Economy, Agricultural Academy, Institute of Foreign Languages, and Medical Academy. The most promising initiative since independence in 1991 was the founding of the American University of Armenia in Yerevan with the support of the University of California at Los Angeles. The Russian-Armenian University was opened in Yerevan. The leading scientific center is the Academy of Sciences of Armenia with an extensive network of research institutes. The Byurakan Astrophysical Observatory is world famous.
Literature and art. Since the adoption of Christianity, Armenians have created significant literary monuments, primarily in the historical genre (Movses Khorenai, Yeznik Kokhbatsi, the founder of original Armenian literature Koryun; they also translated the main religious and theological works into Armenian). In the early Middle Ages, Gregory the Magister worked, creating philosophical and theological Letters, and also translating Euclid’s Geometry into Armenian. Vahram Rabuni (13th century), Hovnan Vorotnetsi (1315-1386) and Grigor Tatevatsi (1346-1408) interpreted the works of Plato, Aristotle, Porphyry and Philo of Alexandria in their works. At the beginning of the 16th century. the so-called "Grecophile school" in Armenia, which made a great contribution to philosophy. The most famous representatives of this school are Eznik Kokhbai and David Anakht (“Invincible”). The latter wrote the treatise Definitions of Philosophy and commentaries on the works of Plato, Aristotle and Porphyry. Historical works were created by Ioannes Draskhanakertsi (9th-10th centuries), author of the History of Armenia, Tovma Artsruni (960-1030), Stefanos Orbelyan (13th century) and other historians. In the field of mathematics, geography and other natural sciences, Anania Shirakatsi (7th century) made a great contribution, whose works were widely known in the country. In the 8th-9th centuries. the national epic of Sasuntsi Davit (David of Sassoun) arose, depicting the struggle of the Armenian people for liberation. We see a high degree of development of lyrical, moralizing and philosophical poetry of the early period in the works of Grigor Narekatsi (945-1003), Nerses Shnorali (“The Blessed One”) (1102-1172), Konstantin Erzynkatsi (13th century), Ioannes Tlkurantsi (d. 1213), Frick (13-14 centuries), etc. In the 13th century. were created by major Armenian fabulists Mkhitar Gosh and Vartan Aygektsi. Theatrical art arose in Armenia a very long time ago. It is known that the Armenian king Tigran II the Great (1st century BC) built an amphitheater in the capital Tigranakert (the ruins remain), where the Greek artists he invited staged Greek tragedies and comedies. According to Plutarch, the Armenian king Artavazd II composed tragedies that were staged in Artashat, the second capital of Armenia (1st century AD). The Bacchae of Euripides was also shown there. Subsequently, after the adoption of Christianity, there were only traveling troupes of artists with entertainment or satirical programs. About the active spiritual life of Armenians in the 9th-10th centuries. evidenced by the Paulician movement, who preached a return to the original principles and moral values ​​of Christianity; they rejected the church hierarchy and church land ownership. More radical was the heretical movement of the Tondrakians (the name comes from the village of Tondrak, where it originated). They did not recognize the immortality of the soul, denied the afterlife, church liturgy, church right to land, preached the equality of men and women, as well as legal and property equality. This movement soon penetrated into Byzantium, but was forcibly suppressed. Architecture and church music were developed in medieval Armenia. Books were often illustrated with miniature drawings, which in themselves had great artistic value. In the 19th century Armenian literature and art developed in new ways, experiencing the influence of Russian Western European culture. At this time, historical narratives (authors Mikael Chamchyan, Gevond Alishan, Nikolai Adonts, Leo), novels (authors Khachatur Abovyan, Raffi, Muratsan, Alexander Shirvanzade), poems and poetry (Demrchibashyan, Petros Duryan, Siamanto, Daniel Varuzhan, Vahan) appeared Teryan, Hovhannes Tumanyan, Vahan Mirakyan), dramas (Gabriel Sundukyan, Alexander Shirvanzade, Hakob Paronyan). Armenian composers and folklorists (Komitas and Grigor Suni) collected folk songs and used them for concert performances. Armenians created such classical musical works in the Western style as the operas of Tigran Chukhadzhyan, Alexander Spendiaryan and Armen Tiranyan. The works of Western classics and Armenian playwrights - Sundukyan, Shirvanzade and Paronyan - were staged on the Armenian stage. In Soviet Armenia, despite the dominance of communist ideology, certain successes were achieved in the development of national culture. At this time, such prominent poets as Avetik Isahakyan, Yeghishe Charents and Nairi Zaryan, outstanding composers Aram Khachaturian, Mikael Tariverdiev and Arno Babajanyan, wonderful painters Vardges Surenyan, Martiros Saryan and Hakob Kojoyan worked. The most famous Armenian actor Vahram Papazyan created the image of Shakespeare's Othello on many stages around the world. Outside Armenia, writers of Armenian origin Michael Arlen in Great Britain, Georges Amado and Henri Troyat in France and William Saroyan in the USA, singer, artist and film actor Charles Aznavour in France gained fame. In Yerevan in 1921 the largest Armenian Drama Theater was created. G. Sundukyan, and in 1933 - the Yerevan Opera and Ballet Theater, on the stage of which the famous Armenian singers Pavel Lisitsian, Zara Dolukhanova, Gohar Gasparyan performed.
Museums and libraries. In Yerevan there is the State Historical Museum, the Museum of the History of Yerevan, the State Art Gallery and the Museum of Children's Art, in Sardarabad - the Museum of Ethnography and Folklore, in Etchmiadzin - the Museum of Religious Art. Of the large libraries, mention should be made of the State Library named after. Myasnikyan, the Library of the Academy of Sciences of Armenia and the Library of Yerevan State University. Matenadaran named after. Mesrop Mashtots is the largest repository of ancient and medieval books and manuscripts, numbering approx. 20 thousand units (more than half of them are in Armenian). History of printing and the media. In 1512, the first printed book in Armenian, the Explanatory Calendar (Parzatumar), was published in Venice. In 1513, the Prayer Book (Akhtark), the Service Book (Pataragamatoyts) and the Saints (Parzatumar), and then the Psalter (Sagmosaran) were published there. Subsequently, Armenian printing houses appeared in Constantinople (1567), Rome (1584), Paris (1633), Leipzig (1680), Amsterdam, New Julfa (Iran), Lvov, St. Petersburg, Astrakhan, Moscow, Tbilisi, Baku. In 1794, the first Armenian weekly newspaper "Azdarar" (translated from Armenian as "Bulletin") was published in Madras (India), and a little later in Calcutta - the magazine "Azgaser" ("Patriot"). In the first half of the 19th century. approx. was published in different countries of the world. 30 magazines and newspapers in Armenian, of which 6 are in Constantinople, 5 in Venice, 3 (including the newspapers "Caucasus" and "Ararat") - in Tiflis. The magazine “Yusisapail” (“Northern Lights”) was published in Moscow, which played a huge role in the spiritual life of Armenians. In Soviet Armenia, numerous newspapers and magazines were under strict censorship by the Communist Party. Since 1988, new periodicals began to appear, reflecting a wide variety of points of view. Approximately published in Armenia. 250 newspapers and 50 magazines. The largest newspapers: “Ekir” (30 thousand copies in Armenian), “Azg” (20 thousand in Armenian), “Republic of Armenia” (10 thousand copies each in Russian and Armenian). Outside the republic, the Armenian press has become a significant factor uniting Armenian communities around the world. Armenia has its own film studio "Armenfilm". In 1926, the first radio station began operating in Yerevan, and in 1956, a television center. During the Soviet period, a wide radio and television network was created.
Customs and holidays. Many traditional folk customs have been preserved in Armenia, including several pagan ones, such as the blessing of the first harvest in August or the sacrifice of lambs during some religious holidays. A traditional holiday for Armenians is Vardanank (St. Vardan's Day), celebrated on February 15 in memory of the defeat of the Armenian troops led by Vardan Mamikonyan in the battle with the Persian army on the Avarayr field. In this war, the Persians intended to forcefully convert the Armenians to paganism, but after their victory, having suffered huge losses, they abandoned their intention. Thus, the Armenians preserved the Christian faith, defending it with arms in hand. In the 20th century Armenians also have a day of mourning: April 24 is the day of the Armenian genocide in Turkey in 1915. May 28 is the national holiday Republic Day, the anniversary of the creation of the first Republic of Armenia in 1918, and September 23 marks the independence day of the second Republic of Armenia.
STORY
Origin and ancient history. The first information about the Armenian Highlands dates back to the 14th century. BC. There were Nairi states in the lake basin. Van and the states of Hayasa and Alzi in the nearby mountains. In the 9th century BC. here a certain union arose with the self-name Biaynili, or Biaynele (the Assyrians called it Urartu, and the ancient Jews called it Ararat). Although the origins of the Armenians themselves remain unclear, it can be said that the first Armenian state arose as a result of the collapse of the Urartu union of states immediately after the fall of the Assyrian Empire in 612 BC. Being first under the rule of the Medes, in 550 BC. Armenia is part of the Persian Achaemenid Empire After the conquest of Persia by Alexander the Great, Armenia recognized his supreme power, and representatives of the Orontid dynasty (Armenian Ervanduni) began to rule the country. After Alexander's death in 323 BC. Armenia found itself in vassal dependence on the Syrian Seleucids. When the latter were defeated by the Romans in the Battle of Magnesia (189 BC), three Armenian states arose - Lesser Armenia west of the Euphrates, Sophene east of this river, and Greater Armenia with its center in the Ararat Plain. Under the rule of the Artashid (Artashesyan) dynasty, one of the branches of the Ervandids, Greater Armenia expanded its territory all the way to the Caspian Sea. Later, Tigranes II the Great (95-56 BC) conquered Sophene and, taking advantage of the protracted war between Rome and Parthia, created a vast but short-lived empire that stretched from the Lesser Caucasus to the borders of Palestine. The sudden expansion of Armenia under Tigran the Great clearly showed how great the strategic importance of the Armenian Highlands was. Possession of it allowed him to dominate the entire Middle East. It is for this reason that Armenia later becomes a bone of contention in the struggle between neighboring states and empires - Rome and Parthia, Rome and Persia, Byzantium and Persia, Byzantium and the Arabs, Byzantium and the Seljuk Turks, the Ayyubids and Georgia, the Ottoman Empire and Persia, Persia and Russia, Russia and the Ottoman Empire. In 387 AD Rome and Persia divided Armenia, which, although in a much smaller size, was preserved. The Byzantine Empire and Persia carried out a new division of Armenia in 591 AD. The Arabs who appeared here in 640 defeated the Persian Empire and turned Armenia into a vassal kingdom led by an Arab governor.
Medieval Armenia. With the weakening of Arab rule in Armenia, several local kingdoms arose that flourished in the 9th-11th centuries. The largest of them was the kingdom of the Bagratids (Bagratuni) with its capital in Ani (884-1045), but it soon disintegrated and two more kingdoms were formed on its lands: one, with its center in Kars (west of Mount Ararat), existed from 962 to 1064 , and another in Lori, in northern Armenia (982-1090). At the same time, the independent Vaspurakan kingdom arose in the lake basin. Wang. The Syunids formed a kingdom in Syunik (now Zangezur) south of Lake. Sevan (970-1166). At the same time, several principalities arose. Despite numerous wars, it was a period of economic and cultural growth. However, the invasions of the Byzantines and then the Seljuk Turks in the 11th century. put an end to this. A new, unique “Armenia in exile” was formed in the valleys of Cilicia in the northeastern Mediterranean (previously, many Armenians, especially farmers, moved here - not without the consent of Byzantium). At first it was a principality, and later (from 1090) a kingdom was formed with the dynasties of the Rubens and Lusinians. It existed until its conquest by the Egyptian Mamelukes in 1375. Armenia's own territory was partly under the control of Georgia, and partly under the control of the Mongols (13th century). In the 14th century Armenia was conquered and devastated by the hordes of Tamerlane. Over the next two centuries, it became the object of bitter struggle, first between Turkmen tribes and later between the Ottoman Empire and Persia.
Modern Armenia. National revival. Divided between the Ottoman Empire and Persia in 1639, Armenia remained relatively stable until the fall of the Safavid dynasty in 1722. Around this time, Russian expansion into the region began. Russia annexed Persian Armenia in 1813-1827 and parts of Turkish Armenia in 1828 and 1878. In the 1870s, the Armenian national movement emerged, whose leaders tried to benefit from the rivalry of the great powers of the time, trying to subjugate the Ottoman Empire. Soon after the outbreak of World War I, the Turks began to resolve the “Armenian question” by forcibly expelling all Armenians from Asia Minor. Armenian soldiers who served in the Turkish army were demobilized and shot, women, children and old people were forcibly expelled to the deserts of Syria. Estimates of the death toll vary widely, from 600 thousand to 1 million people. Some Armenians managed to survive thanks to help from the Turks and Kurds, and most of them fled to Russian Armenia or other countries in the Middle East. Russian Armenia was proclaimed an independent republic on May 28, 1918. Despite famine, a massive influx of refugees and conflicts with neighboring countries - Azerbaijan, Georgia and Turkey, the republic bravely fought for its existence. In 1920, units of the Red Army entered Armenia, and on December 2, 1920, a Soviet republic was proclaimed there.
Soviet Armenia. Since then, Armenia, officially considered independent, was governed by instructions from Moscow. The harsh implementation of Soviet orders, accompanied by forced requisitions of the property of wealthy citizens, led to an anti-Soviet uprising on February 8 - July 13, 1921. After the suppression of this uprising, a more moderate rule was introduced led by Alexander Myasnikyan, who was guided by V.I. Lenin’s instructions to avoid excesses. On December 13, 1922, Armenia united with Georgia and Azerbaijan, forming the Transcaucasian Socialist Federative Soviet Republic (TSFSR). At the end of December, this federation became part of the USSR as an independent entity. During the years of the NEP, Armenia, a predominantly agricultural country, began to gradually heal its wounds. The foundations for the development of the most important branches of cultural life were laid, a school education system was created, and work began on systematizing archaeological and other historical materials. In 1922-1936, 40 thousand refugees from the former Ottoman Empire repatriated to Armenia. Many Armenian artists, writers and other intellectuals came to Armenia from Tiflis (the center of Armenian culture in the Russian Empire), as well as from abroad. The republic, in its economic program, relied on industrialization, although it had to take into account the almost complete absence of energy resources and limited water resources. Therefore, Armenia was forced to build hydroelectric power stations on shallow but fast rivers. At the same time, irrigation canals were also laid: in 1922, a canal named after. Lenin, and two years later the Shirak Canal was put into operation in the north of the republic. The first hydroelectric power station was built in 1926 on the Hrazdan river near Yerevan. However, the widespread use of water resources for electricity production, industry and agriculture began in 1929, after the adoption of the first five-year plan.
The era of Stalinism. Under Stalin, a dictatorship was established in the country, accompanied by accelerated collectivization of agriculture and industrialization (with an emphasis on heavy industry and the military industry), rapid urbanization, brutal persecution of religion and the establishment of an official "party line" in all areas of Soviet society - from literature to plant genetics. Strict censorship was introduced, all dissidents were persecuted and subjected to repression. In 1936, approx. 25 thousand Armenians who opposed the collectivization policy. During the Stalinist purges, the first secretary of the Communist Party of Armenia Agasi Khanjyan, Catholicos Khoren Muradbekyan, a number of government ministers, prominent Armenian writers and poets (Yegishe Charents, Aksel Bakunts, etc.) were killed. In 1936, the TSFSR was liquidated, and Armenia, Georgia and Azerbaijan, which were part of it, were proclaimed independent union republics within the USSR. Although Armenia was not the scene of military operations during the Second World War, approx. served in the Red Army. 450 thousand Armenians. Of these, 60 became generals of various branches of the military; three became admirals, Hovhannes (Ivan) Bagramyan became Marshal of the Soviet Union, and Sergei Khudyakov (Armenak Khanperyan) became an Air Marshal. More than a hundred Armenians became Heroes of the Soviet Union, and one of them, Nelson Stepanyan (pilot), became a hero twice. Despite heavy losses during the war, Armenia's population growth continued, averaging 18.3 per 1,000 inhabitants. After the end of the war, Stalin, realizing that the Armenian diaspora abroad had large funds and highly qualified specialists, made some concessions to the Armenian church (in particular, he provided it with land plots for the creation of collective farms for the purpose of economic support for the Etchmiadzin Patriarchate) and suggested that the Catholicos turn to foreign Armenians with a call for repatriation to Soviet Armenia. From 1945 to 1948, approx. returned to their homeland. 150 thousand Armenians, mainly from the countries of the Middle East and relatively few from Western countries. Subsequently, many of them were subjected to repression. In July 1949, a mass deportation of the Armenian intelligentsia along with their families to Central Asia was carried out, where most of them died.
Post-Stalin period. After Stalin's death in 1953, a slow but steady rise in the well-being of the people began, accompanied by the gradual liberalization of some spheres of public life. In the 1960s, Armenia transformed from a predominantly agricultural country to an industrial country with a high level of urbanization. Thanks to the support of the state, culture, education, science and art have reached a high level of development. When M. S. Gorbachev (1985-1991), who proclaimed a program of radical reforms, became the leader of the USSR, the population of Armenia openly expressed a desire to reunite their country with the area of ​​compact residence of Armenians - Nagorno-Karabakh, which, by the will of Stalin, was transferred to Azerbaijan in 1923. In February 1988, mass demonstrations broke out in the republic. The critical situation was aggravated by a strong earthquake in December 1988, which claimed 25 thousand lives and left approx. 100 thousand people. The cities of Spitak, Leninakan and Kirovakan were destroyed. Soon after this, approx. 200 thousand Armenian refugees from Azerbaijan.
Republic. On August 23, 1990, the Armenian legislature (then the Supreme Council of the Armenian SSR) declared the sovereignty of the republic, voted for a new official name - the Republic of Armenia - and the restoration of the previously banned "erekguyn" (a tricolor consisting of red, blue and orange stripes) as the national flag. On September 23, 1991, the Republic of Armenia declared its independence, and on December 21 of the same year it joined the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS). By the end of 1991 approx. 80% of the cultivated land was transferred to those who cultivated it. On December 25, 1991, the Republic of Armenia was recognized by the United States, and on March 22, 1992, it was admitted to the UN. In the spring of 1992, Armenian paramilitary forces established control over Nagorno-Karabakh. In 1993, the armed forces of the Karabakh Armenians attacked the positions of the Azerbaijanis, from which the latter fired at Karabakh and villages located in eastern Armenia. Civil war broke out in Azerbaijan itself, and Karabakh armed forces captured large parts of Azerbaijani territory north and south of the Karabakh enclave, clearing the Lachin corridor that separated Karabakh from Armenia. Hundreds of thousands of Azerbaijanis left their homes and became refugees. In May 1994, with the mediation of Russia, an agreement was concluded to cease hostilities. Meanwhile, the Armenian economy was paralyzed, partly due to the collapse of the USSR, but mainly due to the blockade of the republic imposed by Azerbaijan. In 1993, the production of meat, eggs and other necessary food products decreased, imports exceeded exports by 50%, and the budget deficit increased sharply. Factories and schools were closed, and street traffic in cities was suspended. The standard of living began to fall sharply, and food rationing had to be introduced. Under these conditions, corruption flourished, and organized local criminal groups took control of some sectors of the economy. During these years, approx. emigrated from Armenia. 10% of the population (300 thousand people). In 1994, after two winters without heating and almost without electricity, the government began to consider the possibility of launching the Metsamor nuclear power plant, which had been mothballed after the Chernobyl disaster in 1986. In the mid-1990s, negotiations were held with Turkmenistan and Iran on the import of natural gas to Armenia and a trilateral agreement on cooperation in the fields of trade, energy, banking and transport was signed. In 1994, the construction of a modern bridge across the Araks River began, connecting Armenia with Iran near the city of Meghri, which was completed in 1996. It is open to two-way traffic. In the summer of 1996, a trade agreement was concluded with the United States, the implementation of which, however, was linked to the end of the war in Nagorno-Karabakh. In 1994, dissatisfaction with President Ter-Petrosyan and his ANM party began to grow against the backdrop of an aggravated economic crisis and widespread corruption in the government itself. Armenia acquired a reputation as a state in which the process of democratization is successfully developing, but at the end of 1994 the government banned the activities of the Dashnaktsutyun party and the publication of several opposition newspapers. The following year, the results of a referendum on a new constitution and parliamentary elections were rigged. 68% of votes were cast for this constitution (against - 28%), and for parliamentary elections - only 37% (against - 16%). The constitution provided for strengthening the power of the president by reducing the powers of parliament. There were numerous irregularities in the parliamentary elections, and foreign observers assessed the elections as free, but not flawlessly conducted. The Republican bloc led by the Armenian National Movement, the successor to the Karabakh movement, won a landslide victory. Even more striking was the result of the presidential elections held on September 22, 1996. Ter-Petrosyan received 52% of the vote (according to government estimates), and the main opposition candidate Vazgen Manukyan - 41%. Ter-Petrosyan won by 21,981 votes, but there was a difference of 22,013 votes between the total number of voters and the number of officially registered ballots. In September 1996, the army and police were deployed against street demonstrators. President Ter-Petrosyan became particularly unpopular when he proposed a bold compromise solution to the Karabakh conflict and accepted as a basis the international community's plan, according to which Nagorno-Karabakh would formally remain part of Azerbaijan, but would receive full autonomy and self-government. Even Ter-Petrosyan’s closest political associates turned their backs on Ter-Petrosyan, and he had to resign in February 1998. After new elections, Robert Kocharyan, the former leader of Nagorno-Karabakh, became President of Armenia. Kocharyan’s policy on the Karabakh issue turned out to be less flexible, but the government resolutely set out to eradicate corruption and improve relations with the opposition (the Dashnaktsutyun party was again legalized).
LITERATURE
Armenian SSR. M., 1955 Tokarsky N.M. Architecture of Armenia IV-XIV centuries. Yerevan., 1961 Chaloyan V.K. Armenian Renaissance. M., 1963 Decorative art of medieval Armenia. M., 1971 Khalpakhchyan O.Kh. Civil architecture in Armenia (residential and public buildings). M., 1971 Armenian genocide in the Ottoman Empire. Yerevan, 1982 Bakshi K. Fate and stone. M., 1983

Collier's Encyclopedia. - Open Society. 2000 .

ARMENIA (in Armenian Hayastan), Republic of Armenia (official self-name - Hayastani Hanrapetutyun), a state in western Asia, in Transcaucasia. Area 29.8 thousand square meters. km. It borders on the north with Georgia, on the east and southeast on Azerbaijan, on the south on Iran, on the west and southwest on Turkey.

ARMENIA (in Armenian Hayastan), Republic of Armenia (official self-name - Hayastani Hanrapetutyun), a state in western Asia, in Transcaucasia. Area 29.8 thousand square meters. km. It borders on the north with Georgia, on the east and southeast on Azerbaijan, on the south on Iran, on the west and southwest on Turkey.

The Independent Republic of Armenia was created in Transcaucasia in May 1918. In 1920, Soviet power was established on its territory. In 1922, Armenia, along with Georgia and Azerbaijan, became part of the Transcaucasian Socialist Federative Soviet Republic (TSFSR), which joined the USSR. In 1936, the federation was abolished, and Armenia became a union republic within the USSR. After the collapse of the USSR in 1991, the Republic of Armenia was restored. On December 21, 1991, it became a member of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS).

ANCIENT HISTORY

The first information about the Armenian Highlands dates back to the 14th century. BC. There were Nairi states in the lake basin. Van and the states of Hayasa and Alzi in the nearby mountains. In the 9th century BC. a union was formed with the self-name Biaynili, or Biaynele (the Assyrians called it Urartu, and the ancient Jews called it Ararat). The first Armenian state arose as a result of the collapse of the Urartu union of states immediately after the fall of the Assyrian Empire in 612 BC. At first, Armenia was under the rule of the Medes, and in 550 BC. became part of the Persian Achaemenid Empire. After the conquest of Persia by Alexander the Great, Armenia was ruled by representatives of the Orontid dynasty (Armenian Ervanduni). After Alexander's death in 323 BC. Armenia found itself in vassal dependence on the Syrian Seleucids. When the latter were defeated by the Romans in the battle of Magnesia (190 BC), three Armenian states arose - Lesser Armenia west of the Euphrates, Sophene east of this river and Greater Armenia with its center in the Ararat Plain. Under the rule of the Artashesid dynasty, Greater Armenia expanded its territory all the way to the Caspian Sea. Later, Tigranes II the Great (95–56 BC) conquered Sophene and, taking advantage of the protracted war between Rome and Parthia, created a huge but short-lived empire that stretched from the Lesser Caucasus to the borders of Palestine.

The rapid expansion of Armenia under Tigran the Great clearly showed how great the strategic importance of the Armenian Highlands was. For this reason, in later eras, Armenia became a bone of contention in the struggle between neighboring states and empires (Rome and Parthia, Rome and Persia, Byzantium and Persia, Byzantium and the Arabs, Byzantium and the Seljuk Turks, Ayyubids and Georgia, the Ottoman Empire and Persia, Persia and Russia, Russia and the Ottoman Empire). In 387 AD Rome and Persia divided Greater Armenia between themselves. Internal self-government was preserved on the territory of Persian Armenia. The Arabs who appeared here in 640 defeated the Persian Empire and turned Armenia into a vassal kingdom with an Arab governor.

MIDDLE AGES

With the weakening of Arab rule in Armenia, several local kingdoms arose (9th–11th centuries). The largest of them was the kingdom of the Bagratids (Bagratuni) with its capital in Ani (884–1045), but it soon disintegrated, and two more kingdoms were formed on its lands: one west of Mount Ararat with a center in Kars (962–1064), and the other – in the north of Armenia, in Lori (982–1090). At the same time, the independent Vaspurakan kingdom arose in the lake basin. Wang. The Syunids formed a kingdom in Syunik (modern Zangezur) south of Lake. Sevan (970–1166). Several principalities arose at the same time. Despite numerous wars, the economy and culture flourished at this time. However, then the Byzantines invaded the country, followed by the Seljuk Turks. In the valleys of Cilicia in the northeastern Mediterranean, where many Armenians, mainly farmers, had previously resettled, “Armenia in exile” was formed. At first it was a principality, and later (from 1090) - a kingdom (the Cilician Armenian state), led by the Ruben and Lusinian dynasties. It existed until it was conquered by the Egyptian Mamelukes in 1375. The territory of Armenia itself was partly under the control of Georgia, and partly under the control of the Mongols (13th century). In the 14th century Armenia was conquered and devastated by the hordes of Tamerlane. Over the next two centuries, it became the object of bitter struggle, first between Turkmen tribes and later between the Ottoman Empire and Persia.

THE AGE OF NATIONAL REVIVAL

Divided in 1639 between the Ottoman Empire (Western Armenia) and Persia (Eastern Armenia), Armenia remained a relatively stable country until the fall of the Safavid dynasty in 1722. As a result of the Russian-Iranian wars, according to the Gulistan Peace Treaty of 1813, Russia annexed the Karabakh region, and according to the Turkmanchay Treaty of 1828, the Yerevan and Nakhichevan Khanates. As a result of the Russian-Turkish War of 1877–1878, Russia liberated the northern part of Turkish Armenia.

Soon after the outbreak of World War I, the Turks began to resolve the “Armenian Question” by forcibly expelling all Armenians from Asia Minor. Armenian soldiers who served in the Turkish army were demobilized and shot, women, children and old people were forcibly resettled in the deserts of Syria. At the same time, from 600 thousand to 1 million people died. Many of those Armenians who survived thanks to the help of the Turks and Kurds fled to Russian Armenia or other countries in the Middle East. On May 28, 1918, Russian Armenia was proclaimed an independent republic. In September 1920, Türkiye launched a war against Armenia and captured two-thirds of its territory. In November, units of the Red Army entered Armenia, and on November 29, 1920, the Armenian Soviet Socialist Republic was proclaimed.

SOVIET ARMENIA

On March 12, 1922, Armenia concluded an agreement with Azerbaijan and Georgia, according to which they formed the Federative Union of Socialist Soviet Republics of Transcaucasia, transformed on December 13, 1922 into the Transcaucasian Socialist Federative Soviet Republic (TSFSR). At the same time, each republic retained its independence. On December 30, the federation became part of the USSR.

5Under Stalin, a dictatorship was established in the country, accompanied by the collectivization of agriculture, industrialization (with an emphasis on heavy industry and the military industry), urbanization, brutal persecution of religion and the establishment of an official "party line" in all areas of life.

In 1936 approx. 25 thousand Armenians who opposed the collectivization policy were deported to Central Asia. During the Stalinist purges, the first secretary of the Communist Party of Armenia Agasi Khanjyan, Catholicos Khoren Muradbekyan, a number of government ministers, prominent Armenian writers and poets (Yegishe Charents, Aksel Bakunts, etc.) were killed. In 1936, the TSFSR was abolished, and Armenia, Georgia and Azerbaijan, which were part of it, were proclaimed independent union republics within the USSR.

At the end of the war, Stalin, taking into account that the Armenian diaspora abroad had large funds and highly qualified specialists, suggested that the Catholicos appeal to foreign Armenians for repatriation to Soviet Armenia. During the period from 1945 to 1948, approx. 150 thousand Armenians, mainly from the Middle East. Subsequently, many of them were subjected to repression. In July 1949, a mass deportation of the Armenian intelligentsia along with their families to Central Asia was carried out, where most of them died.

INDEPENDENT REPUBLIC

In May 1990, elections were held to the Supreme Council (SC) of Armenia, which included both communists and representatives of the opposition - the Armenian National Movement (ANM). In August, Chairman of the Board of the ANM Levon Ter-Petrosyan was elected Chairman of the Supreme Council. On August 23, 1990, at the first session of the Supreme Council, the “Declaration of Independence of Armenia” was adopted, according to which the Armenian SSR was abolished and the independent Republic of Armenia was proclaimed. On September 21, 1991, a national referendum was held on secession from the USSR. This proposal received approx. votes. 95% of citizens who took part in the referendum. On September 23, the Supreme Court approved the results of the referendum and declared the independence of the Republic of Armenia. L. Ter-Petrosyan was elected the first president of Armenia. On December 21, 1991, Armenia joined the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS).

On March 22, 1992, the Republic of Armenia was admitted to the UN. In the spring of 1992, Armenian paramilitary forces established control over Nagorno-Karabakh. In 1993, the armed forces of the Karabakh Armenians attacked the positions of the Azerbaijanis, from which the latter fired at Karabakh and the settlements of eastern Armenia. A civil war broke out in Azerbaijan itself. The armed forces of Nagorno-Karabakh captured a significant part of the Azerbaijani territory adjacent to the Karabakh enclave from the north and south, and cleared the Lachin corridor that separated Karabakh from Armenia. As a result of these actions, hundreds of thousands of Azerbaijanis were forced to leave their homes and became refugees. In May 1994, with the mediation of Russia, an agreement was concluded between Armenia and Azerbaijan to cease hostilities.

Against the backdrop of a worsening economic crisis and widespread corruption in the government, dissatisfaction with President Ter-Petrosyan and his ANM party began to grow in 1994. Despite the fact that Armenia has acquired a reputation as a state with successfully developing democratization processes, at the end of 1994 the government banned the activities of the Dashnaktsutyun party and the publication of several opposition newspapers. The following year, the results of a referendum on a new constitution and parliamentary elections were rigged. For the constitution, which provided for strengthening the power of the president by reducing the powers of parliament, 68% of the votes were cast (against - 28%), and for parliamentary elections - only 37% (against - 16%). Numerous violations were committed during the parliamentary elections. Foreign observers assessed them as free, but flawed. The Republican bloc led by the Armenian National Movement, the successor to the Karabakh movement, won a landslide victory.

On March 30, 1998, following the results of early elections, Robert Kocharyan, the former president of the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic, became the President of Armenia. As a result of the parliamentary elections held on May 30, 1999, the Miasnutyun (Unity) bloc received the largest number of seats in parliament. The Communist Party of Armenia, ARF Dashnaktsutyun, the “Iravunk ev Miabanutyun” (Law and Unity) bloc, the “Orinats Yerkir” (Country of Law) party, and the National Democratic Union overcame the 5% barrier.

The Government of Armenia was formed by representatives of the Miasnutyun bloc and the ARF Dashnaktsutyun.

RELIGION

The Armenians were converted to Christianity thanks to the work of Gregory I the Illuminator (Armenian: Grigor Lusavorich, later canonized) in 301, and Armenia became the first country in the world to adopt Christianity as a state religion. Although the Armenian Apostolic Church was initially independent, it maintained ties with other Christian churches until the Ecumenical Councils of Chalcedon (451) and Constantinople (553), and then retained close ties only with the Monophysite churches - Coptic (Egypt), Ethiopian and Jacobite (Syria) . The Armenian Apostolic Church is headed by the Catholicos of All Armenians, whose residence has been in Etchmiadzin since 1441. The Catholicosate of All Armenians includes four patriarchates (Etchmiadzin; Cilicia, from 1293 to 1930 with residence in the city of Sis, modern Kozan, in Turkey, and from 1930 - in Antilias, Lebanon; Jerusalem, founded in 1311; Constantinople, founded in the 16th century. ) and 36 dioceses (8 in Armenia, 1 in Nagorno-Karabakh, the rest in those countries of the world where there are Armenian communities).

From the 12th century a small part of Armenians began to recognize the supremacy of the Roman Catholic Church and the Pope. Supported by Dominican missionaries of the Order of Jesus (Jesuits), they united into the Armenian Catholic Church with the patriarchal seat in Beirut (Lebanon). The spread of Protestantism among Armenians was facilitated by American Congregational missionaries who arrived from Boston in 1830. Since then, there have been many Armenian Protestant congregations. Currently, the Armenian Catholic Church, the Armenian Evangelical Church, a synagogue, as well as churches and houses of worship of various religious minorities operate in Armenia.

CULTURE

From the 7th century AD Armenia was an outpost of Christianity in the surrounding Muslim world. The Armenian (Monophysite) church preserved the traditions of Eastern Christianity, which opposed both its western and eastern branches, from which it was isolated. After Armenia lost its independence (1375), it was the church that contributed to the survival of the Armenian people. Since the 17th century. Contacts are established with Italy, then with France and somewhat later with Russia, through which Western ideas also penetrated. For example, the famous Armenian writer and public figure Mikael Nalbandyan was an ally of such Russian “Westerners” as Herzen and Ogarev. Later, cultural ties between Armenia and the United States began.

Education.

Conductors of public education until the mid-19th century. Christian monasteries remained. In addition, the development of culture was greatly facilitated by the creation of Armenian schools in the Ottoman Empire by Armenian Catholic monks from the Mekhitarist order (established in the early 18th century in Constantinople by Mkhitar Sebastatsi to preserve the monuments of ancient Armenian writing), as well as the activities of American Congregationalist missionaries in the 1830s. e years. The organization of Armenian schools in areas where Armenians lived densely was helped by the Armenian Church and enlightened Armenians who were educated at universities in Western Europe and the USA. Armenian schools, founded in the 1820s and 1830s in Yerevan, Etchmiadzin, Tiflis and Alexandropol (modern Gyumri), played a major role in the cultural life of the Armenians of the Russian Empire.

Many representatives of the Armenian people in the 19th–20th centuries. received their education in Russia, especially after the creation of an Armenian school in Moscow in 1815 by Joachim Lazaryan, which was transformed in 1827 into the Lazarev Institute of Oriental Languages. Many Armenian poets, writers, and statesmen emerged from its walls, including Count M. Loris-Melikov, who distinguished himself at the theater of military operations in the Caucasus (1877–1878) and as the Minister of Internal Affairs of Russia (1880–1881). The famous marine painter I.K. Aivazovsky was educated at the St. Petersburg Academy of Arts.

The education system in Armenia was created during the years of Soviet power, modeled on the Russian one. Since 1998, it has been reformed in accordance with the World Bank program, for the implementation of which $15 million has been allocated. School curricula are being revised, hundreds of new textbooks are being printed. In Armenia there are incomplete secondary schools, complete secondary schools, gymnasiums, lyceums and higher educational institutions (colleges, universities and institutes), including 18 state universities and 7 colleges, with 26 thousand students, and 40 non-state universities with 14 thousand students. Up to 70% of students in secondary specialized educational institutions receive education on a commercial basis. Most universities are located in Yerevan. The most prestigious universities are Yerevan State University (founded in 1920), State Engineering University of Armenia, Yerevan State National Economic Institute, Armenian Agricultural Academy, Yerevan State Linguistic Institute named after. V.Ya.Bryusova, Yerevan State Medical University, Armenian State Pedagogical University, Yerevan State Architectural University, Yerevan State University of Architecture and Construction, Yerevan State Institute of Theater Arts and Cinematography, Yerevan State Academy of Arts, Yerevan State Conservatory. Higher educational institutions, including branches of some Yerevan universities and institutes, are located in cities such as Gyumri, Vanadzor, Dilijan, Ijevan, Goris, Kapan, Gavar. In 1991, with the support of the University of California in Yerevan, the American University of Armenia was founded. In 1999, the Russian-Armenian (Slavic) University was opened in Yerevan, where approx. 800 students, mostly Armenians (90%).

The leading scientific center is the Armenian Academy of Sciences, founded in 1943, with several dozen research institutes. The Byurakan Astrophysical Observatory (founded in 1946) is world famous. In 1990, more than 100 research institutes (including academic and other departmental affiliations) functioned on the territory of Armenia. During the period from 1990 to 1995, the number of scientific workers decreased by almost 4 times (from 20 thousand to 5.5 thousand). Currently, the state funds only priority scientific areas.

Customs and holidays.

Many traditional folk customs have been preserved in Armenia: for example, the blessing of the first harvest in August or the sacrifice of lambs during some religious holidays. A traditional holiday for Armenians is Vardanank (St. Vardan's Day), celebrated on February 15 in memory of the defeat of the Armenian troops led by Vardan Mamikonyan in the battle with the Persian army on the Avarayr field. In this war, the Persians intended to forcefully convert the Armenians to paganism, but having won a victory and suffered huge losses, they abandoned their intention. The Armenians preserved the Christian faith, defending it with arms in hand.

Currently, the following holidays and memorial dates are officially celebrated in the Republic of Armenia: New Year - December 31 - January 1-2, Christmas - January 6, Motherhood and Beauty Holiday - April 7, Day of Remembrance of the Victims of the Armenian Genocide - April 24 (1915), Victory and Peace Day - May 9, First Republic Day - May 28 (1918), Constitution Day - July 5, Independence Day - September 21. All these days are non-working days. December 7 is the Day of Remembrance for the victims of the Spitak earthquake.

Most of the iconic sights of Armenia can be divided into the following groups:

• cultural objects;
• monuments of ancient architecture;
• natural sites (resorts, reserves, picturesque places).

It is better to get acquainted with the country’s past and look for the roots of the national mentality in the capital’s museums. For example, in the History Museum on Argishti Street, where the most ancient archaeological finds of Armenia are collected. Only here you will find an ax that is 100,000 years old and, thanks to miniature models, you will get an idea of ​​​​the appearance of ancient Yerevan.

On Mesrop Mashtots Avenue there is another interesting establishment - Matenadaran. The depository of ancient manuscripts and early printed books contains about 17,000 valuable manuscripts and more than 100,000 important historical documents.

If you have time, you can drop by the Sergei Parajanov Museum on Dzogaryukh Street. By the way, the museum was opened by a close friend of the famous director. It’s also a good idea to look into the National Art Gallery, where, in addition to ancient frescoes, miniatures and examples of modern Armenian fine art, you can see paintings by the legendary marine painter Aivazovsky.

A tour of the Armenian Genocide Museum leaves a depressing impression. The interior of the object goes underground, symbolizing the entrance to the afterlife. It is never empty here, but the silence in the museum is piercing: it is not customary to talk loudly here, so as not to offend the memory of brutally tortured compatriots.

A diametrically opposite atmosphere reigns in the Megeryan Museum, located on Madoyan Street. Once in this kingdom of carpets and tapestries, it is impossible to resist exclamations of admiration. Invest in a full-fledged tour that will introduce you to the main stages of creating these beautiful products.

Armenia is a state that was one of the first to adopt Christianity, so if you are drawn to travel to holy places, consider that you are in the right place. In the vicinity of the town of Alaverdi there are two very interesting sites included in the UNESCO World Heritage List: the monasteries of Haghpat and Sanahin. Built in the 10th century, these massive stone buildings have withstood more than one earthquake.

Be sure to visit the singing fountains on Republic Square. Transparent water jets rise up and down under mesmerizing classical, pop and rock compositions, forming bizarre cascades. Each performance is accompanied by a light installation (in the dark) and ends with the legendary hit of Charles Aznavour “Eternal Love”.

There are only two outstanding monuments in Yerevan that can be considered symbols of the Armenian capital: the “Mother Armenia” monument, depicting a stern woman with a sword at the ready, and the sculpture of David Sasuntsi, a hero of the folk epic, an invincible hero. The latter is universally loved and for a long time was the official emblem of the Armeniafilm film studio. If traditional monuments seem too regular and boring, you can return to the Cascade and gaze at the avant-garde creation of Jaume Plensa - “The Man of Letters”. It is not difficult to visually determine the location of the monument: groups of tourists with photographic equipment always hang out near it. Right there, at the foot of the main staircase of Yerevan, there are other monuments full of expression. Some of them look somewhat shocking, which is why they attract attention.

All sights of Armenia

Traditions and national color

The people in Armenia are impulsive, sociable and responsive. Despite the fact that the official language in the country is Armenian, Russian is perfectly understood here, so if you need to clarify the route, you can safely contact the locals. It is possible that they will not only show you a more convenient path, but will also volunteer to guide you.

Smoking in public places is not encouraged in Armenia. And although in most local catering establishments they turn a blind eye to a lit cigarette (as a rule, in city cafes there are no areas for non-smoking visitors), if a tourist lights up while driving, he risks being fined.

The feeling of national pride is not alien to Armenians. They are excellent at criticizing other Caucasian peoples and highlighting their own importance. But the history of their nation is revered sacredly in Armenia.

And of course, what kind of Armenian would refuse the opportunity to slightly cheat an unlucky tourist. So, when going to local markets, do not hesitate to bargain: the more emotionally you do it, the more chances you have to win the favor of the seller.

But you shouldn’t abuse the sympathies of the locals: if in the capital some liberties are forgiven to a foreign guest, then in the provinces inappropriate actions can spark an unpleasant conflict. You should behave especially carefully in church and monastery premises. People here don’t like idle conversations on the topic of the Armenian genocide and the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, so try not to delve into politics. And of course, under no circumstances sunbathe topless on local beaches if you do not want to provoke open condemnation from others: although Armenia looks towards Europe, at heart it continues to remain a purely Caucasian state.

Cuisine of Armenia

Nothing offends Armenians more than identifying their national dishes with their Georgian and Azerbaijani counterparts. Here, for example, they quite sincerely believe that dolma is an original Armenian invention, which other peoples of Transcaucasia shamelessly borrowed. What’s interesting: in addition to the traditional dolma stuffed with meat, onions and spices, in Armenia there is its Lenten analogue, which is stuffed with peas, beans or lentils. This dish is eaten on New Year's Eve.

Khorovats (kebab) is served here at every turn. The main feature of the local recipe is the daily marinating of meat before frying. For vegetarians, an excellent substitute for animal products will be “summer khorovats” - vegetables baked on the grill (peppers, potatoes, tomatoes). And don’t even think about arming yourself with a fork, keep it simple: real khorovats is eaten exclusively with the hands.

You can dilute the abundance of meat food in the stomach with spasom - a soup based on the fermented milk product matsoni with the addition of wheat grains, eggs and herbs. Those who like strong and satisfying broths should opt for khash, a soup made from beef or pork legs. The dish is symbolic, therefore, if your Armenian friends invited you to khash, you can consider the test for unconditional trust passed. The khash is eaten with crushed garlic, which is spread on crispy lavash. By the way, about lavash: flat cakes are baked in a tandoor and completely replace bread for Armenians. You can wrap whatever your heart desires in pita bread: barbecue, seasonal vegetables, chopped herbs.

In the fall, all of Armenia gorges itself on khapama, which is a pumpkin stuffed with rice, almonds and dried fruits. For dessert, you can take gata - a hybrid of a bun and a layer cake filled with sugar and butter. Each region of the country adheres to its own recipes, so do not be surprised that Yerevan and Karaklis gata can differ significantly in taste characteristics.

For incorrigible sweet tooths, there is sujukh (sharots), which the ignorant often confuse with churchkhela. Sausages made from grape juice stuffed with nut kernels differ from the Georgian version of the sweet in the rich taste of spices and soft consistency. Popular types of Armenian delicacies are traditionally nut-fruit: peaches drizzled with honey and stuffed with nuts, dried apricots, candied almonds.

As for drinks, there is plenty to choose from. Even ordinary tap water in Armenia is cleaner and tastier than anywhere else. Connoisseurs of strong alcohol should not leave without trying Yerevan cognac, which has been produced here for more than 125 years. Excellent quality and local wine products. It is better to buy it in stores, since it is incredibly difficult to come across a fake in them. On occasion, you can knock over a glass of apricot or mulberry vodka.

Tourists who do not like alcoholic drinks should turn their attention to fermented milk products: tana and matsoni. Tea is not very popular in Armenia; it is replaced everywhere by aromatic, strong coffee, which people here are experts in.

Transport

You can travel between regions of the country either by bus or by train. True, there is no point in claiming a high level of comfort: vehicles in Armenia, as a rule, are well-worn and not tied to such benefits of civilization as air conditioners. Most buses going to major cities (Vanadzor, Gyumri, Sevan) depart from Yerevan Central Station. From here you can go on an exciting shopping tour around Georgia or Turkey. To get to Ararat, Yeraskhavan and Atashat, you must first get to the Sasuntsi David station, from where the above routes depart.

The option of traveling by train usually turns out to be more comfortable because the drivers strictly adhere to the schedule (unlike the drivers of Yerevan buses).

Traditional public transport in the capital is the metro, buses, minibuses and taxis. The first does not cover all areas of the city, so locals prefer to use land transport. By the way, instead of conductors and turnstiles, payment “from hand to hand” is still in use here.

If you come to Yerevan for the first time and don’t know where to go first, take a taxi, not forgetting to hint to the driver about your own ignorance. In 99 cases out of 100, you will find a fascinating tour of the capital's streets, interspersed with emotional stories from the taxi driver.

Renting a car in Armenia is not the cheapest pleasure, but if you desperately want to drive, a Russian license is quite suitable here. And don’t forget that in situations on the road the notorious Caucasian hospitality does not work. They love to cut off, overtake and break all existing rules. By the way, parking in Yerevan is mostly paid.

Money

Yerevan shops accept the only currency – the Armenian dram (AMD). 1 dram is equal to 0.14 rubles.

There are a sufficient number of exchange points in the capital, but if desired, money can also be exchanged with private individuals (shop owners, street vendors). They usually offer exchange at a better rate than the bank. The most unfavorable option for exchanging money is the capital's airport. Large chain stores accept payment by card, and in any city in Armenia you will definitely find an ATM for cashing out funds.

Shopping

Tourists who like to bring home purchases with an indispensable national flavor from their travels have plenty of places to roam in Armenia. The best place to look for souvenirs and handicrafts is at Vernissage, an open market. Silver jewelry, folk musical instruments, pottery, stone and wood crafts, handmade carpets - the selection of national attributes here is like at an oriental bazaar from the fairy tales “1000 and One Nights.” It’s better to come to Vernissage on weekends, as all the tents and stalls are open on these days.

Flea market "Vernisage" in Yerevan

Representatives of the fair half of humanity should raid cosmetics stores in search of products from the local organic brand Nairian. Cosmetics are not cheap, but how can you resist the promising “natural product” label?

Be sure to stock up on local delicacies: cheese, honey, coffee (it is much better here than what is sold in our coffee boutiques), sujukh, chocolates produced by the Yerevan confectionery factory Grand Candy. And of course, take with you a bag of spices and at least a bottle of Armenian cognac.

If your passion is national jewelry, do not hesitate to look into jewelry departments. Prices for jewelry in Armenia are quite reasonable. Leather is also produced well here, so you can often find decent leather goods in the markets.

Tourist Information

Armenia is one of the most ancient civilizations in the world. This area has been inhabited since prehistoric times. Archaeologists continue to find evidence that the territory of Armenia was among the first where human civilization settled. Mount Ararat, which is currently located in Turkey, but which was part of the territory of the Armenian Kingdom, is the place where Noah’s Ark stopped after the Flood.
During the Bronze Age, several states flourished within the Armenian Plateau: the Empire of Hitit, Mitani (southwest of historical Armenia) and Ayasa-Azzi (XV century BC) and in the Iron Age, the Indo-Europeans Phrygians and Mushkians attacked and destroyed the kingdom of Mitani Nairi (XII - IX centuries BC) and the kingdom of Urartu (IX - VI centuries BC), immediately preceding the state of Armenia, also flourished. In 782 BC. King Argishti I of Urartu founded the Erebuni fortress in the north of the country (today Yerevan, the capital of Armenia).
After the fall of the state of Urartu, the ancient Armenian Kingdom appeared on its territory. The first mention of the country of Armin (Armenia) is made in cuneiform writings from the era of the Persian king Darius I (5th century BC). But the Armenians themselves call themselves hay, and the country - Hayastan, which comes from the name of the country of Ayas. Greek historians Xenophon and Herodotus first mention Armenia in the 5th century BC. Xenophon, who in his famous work Anabasis, describing the retreat of tens of thousands of Greeks from Armenia in 401-400 BC, testifies that Armenia had a thriving agriculture: horticulture and cattle breeding, the country was rich in wines, wheat and fruits, the author describes much of the life of the Armenian people and their hospitality.
The Ancient Armenian Kingdom under the government of the Yervandid dynasty was under the dominance of the Persian Acemenids. Armenia was divided into two parts: Greater Armenia and Lesser Armenia. After the campaign of Alexander the Great, the period of Hellenization of Armenia began, but soon Armenia fell under the rule of the Seleucid Power. In 190 BC The Seleucid Empire fell to the Romans and Armenia gained freedom. King Artashes I of Great Armenia, founder of the Artashesid dynasty, united most of the Armenian-speaking regions.
The Armenian Kingdom reached the peak of power during the reign of Tigran II the Great (95-55 BC) of the Artashesid dynasty. When it became one of the most powerful kingdoms of its time, it was called by historians the “Empire of the Three Seas”, as it reached the shores of the Caspian, Black and Mediterranean seas. Over the centuries, this country, due to its strategic location between two continents, was subject to invasions by all the powers that were in this zone: Assyrian, Greek, Roman, Byzantine, Arab, Mongol, Persian, Turkish-Ottoman and Russian.
In 301, Armenia became the first state to officially adopt Christianity, thanks to the influence of St. Gregory the Illuminator, the first Catholicos (patriarch), now the patron saint of the Armenian Apostolic Church. Tiridates III (238-314) was the first king to be officially baptized along with his subjects. This occurred 24 years before the Roman Empire gave Christianity official legitimacy and 36 years before Emperor Constantine I the Great was baptized (337).
In the year 387, Armenia was divided between two powerful states, Byzantium and Persia. The Armenian population was in danger of extinction. Catholicos Sahak Partev and King Vramshapuh, who ruled the Persian part of Armenia, decided to strengthen the Armenian culture and thereby prevent the disappearance of the nation. The task of creating the Armenian alphabet was entrusted to Mesrop Mashtots, the king’s adviser. After difficult, many years of work, in 405 he created the alphabet, which gave rise to national writing. This period is known as the first golden age of Armenia.
Under Roman-Persian rule, Armenia retained some sovereignty, but in 428 it lost it completely. Persia tried to uproot Christianity in the territories that were under its rule and convert the Armenians to Zoroastrianism and assimilate them, which led to a popular uprising. The Armenian army, under the leadership of Prince Vardan Mamikonyan, entered into a decisive battle against the numerically superior Persian army in the Avarayr valley. Both units suffered important losses, the prince himself died. There were no winners or losers in this battle, but subsequently the Persians abandoned the spiritual colonization of the country.
In the 7th century, Persia was conquered by the Arabs. The long struggle of the Armenian population for their independence ended at the end of the 9th century, when the Arabs appointed the princely Bagratid family as rulers of the Aryan territory, and Ashot Bagratuni was declared king of Armenia. A period of prosperity and development of culture began. An incredible flowering of art and literature led to a second golden age in Armenian history, driven by autonomy within the Arab Empire. The reign of the Bagratids left a significant mark on the history of Armenia.
In 1045 the Byzantine Empire conquered Bagratid Armenia, although their power did not last long as the Seljuk Turks arriving from Central Asia in 1071 defeated the Byzantine Empire and conquered Armenia, establishing the Seljuk Empire. Many princes ceded their lands to the Byzantine emperor, receiving land in Cilicia in return. Many residents of the Armenian regions began to move there, fleeing the persecution of the Seljuk Turks, and at the end of the 11th century, the Rubenid dynasty founded a new state, the Armenian Kingdom of Cilicia, which lasted for 3 centuries.
This new state became an ally of the Crusader armies that came from Europe to fight the Muslim threat on behalf of Christendom. Finally, in 1375, the Armenian Kingdom of Cilicia fell to the Mamelukes of Egypt, who controlled the area until they finally surrendered to the Ottoman Turks in the 16th century.
Starting from the 12th century, Armenia was captured by several barbarian tribes: Seljuk Turks, Mongols, and the Tatar hordes of Tamerlane. The Seljuk State began to collapse. In early 1100, the Armenian princes of the noble Zakaryan family created an Armenian semi-independent principality in the north and east of Armenia, which is known as Zakaryan Armenia. In 1230, the Mongol Khanate conquered the Zakaryan principality, as well as the rest of Armenia. The Mongol invasions were followed by invasions of other Central Asian tribes, which continued during the 12th - 14th centuries. With each invasion, Armenia became more and more weakened.
The Ottoman Turks replaced the Seljuk Turks and, starting in the 13th century, they began to conquer Asia Minor. In 1453 they took Constantinople and went east, conquering Persia. The stage for numerous wars between Turkey and Persia was the territory of Armenia, until the country was finally divided between both Muslim states in the 17th century. The Russian Empire subsequently annexed Eastern Armenia, which included the Yerevan and Karabakh khanates in Persia in 1813 and 1828. The rest, known as Western Armenia, remained under the yoke of the Ottoman Empire until the end of the First World War.
In 1895-1899, Turkish authorities organized brutal massacres of Armenians in Western Armenia. In 1915, the Young Turk government, taking advantage of the war situation, implemented its pre-planned program for the complete extermination of the Armenian population in Turkey. During 1915-1917, while the male population was being destroyed, women and children were deported to the deserts of Mesopotamia and were killed or died from hunger and exhaustion. More than one and a half million victims are the result of the first genocide of the 20th century. About 800 thousand survivors scattered throughout the world and founded diasporas. Armenia and its diaspora have been campaigning for more than 30 years seeking official recognition of these events as genocide. Every year on April 24, the day at dawn of which the arrests of the Armenian intelligentsia and more than 800 writers, artists, journalists, politicians, doctors, businessmen, etc. began. were sent to the deserts of Mesopotamia and killed, the memory of all the innocent victims who fell from the Turkish sword is honored.
In 1918, Eastern Armenia declared its independence, which lasted 2 years. Over the next 70 years, being one of the 15 republics of the USSR, it went through a difficult path of socio-economic development, full of achievements and hardships. Finally, when the Soviet Union collapsed, Armenia regained its independence in 1991.

With the fall of the USSR in 1989, discussions began again over the future of the Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Region, the historical part of Armenia inhabited by Armenians, which was annexed to Azerbaijan in 1923 by Stalin's decision. The Armenian population of the region began a movement to reunite with Armenia. In November 1991, after the Armenians of Nagorno-Karabakh decided to reunify with Armenia, the Azerbaijani parliament decided to deprive Karabakh of its autonomy, which led to a referendum, as a result of which Nagorno-Karabakh was declared an independent state (not officially recognized). A series of conflicts led to violence and massacres of Armenians who lived in other areas of Azerbaijan. Thus, a war began between the two republics. Since the ceasefire in 1994, most of Nagorno-Karabakh, as well as many neighboring Azerbaijani areas, remain de facto under the control of the armed forces of Nagorno-Karabakh and Armenia.
In 1990, the first legislative democratic elections were held in Armenia and in 1991 the first President of the Republic was elected. In 1992, Armenia joined the UN and in February 2000, as a full member, it joined the Council of Europe.

Dates and important events
IV - III millennium BC-The emergence of proto-Armenian tribal unions in the territory of the Armenian Highlands

XIII century BC-The first mention of the Urartians in the cuneiform writings of the Assyrian king Shalmaneser I

859 BC. -The first mention of the first king of Urartu, Aram, in the cuneiform writings of the Assyrians

782 BC. -Foundation of the fortress-city of Erebuni by the Urartian king Argishti I

550 BC-Mention of the Armenian Kingdom in the chronicles of Xenophon.

520 v. C-Mention of the country of Arminius and the Arminian people in the trilingual inscription of the Persian king Darius I

VI-V BC-Completion of ethnic education of the Armenian people and the Armenian language

95-56 BC-Reign of Tigran the Great

301 -Official adoption of Christianity.

387 -Partition of Armenia between Byzantium and Persia

405 -Creation of the Armenian alphabet by Mesrop Mashtots.

859 -Establishment of an Armenian principality as a vassal to the Arab Caliphate.

885 -Foundation of the Bagratid dynasty and restoration of the sovereignty of Armenia

104 -Conquest of Armenia by Byzantium and the Seljuk Turks

1080 -Foundation of the Rubenid dynasty of Kilik Armenia.

1024 -Liberation of the city of Ani from the Seljuk Turks.

1236 -Mongol invasions

1375 -Conquest of Kilik Armenia by the Mamelukes

1441 -Moving the Holy See to Etchmiadzhin

1639 -Partition of Armenia between Ottoman Turkey and Persia

XVII- Appeal to Europe, asking for protection from the Turks and Persians

1722 -Arrival of Russian troops in the Caspian Sea

1724 -Creation of an independent Armenian principality in Kapan by David Bek

1812 -Victory of Russian troops over the Persians on the banks of the Araks River

1813 -Signing of the Treaty of Gulistan by Russia and Persia

1826-1828 -Second war with Persia. Annexation of Eastern Armenia to Russia according to the Treaty of Urkmenchay

1828 -Education of the Armenian region as part of the Russian Empire

1849 -Creation of the Erivan province as part of the Russian Empire

1894 , summer-Massacre of Armenians in Sasun

1895, autumn-Massacre of Armenians in Constantinople, Trebizond, Erzurum, Sebastia, Van, Bayazet

1914 -Extermination of the Armenian military in the Turkish army

1915 -Deportation and extermination of Armenians expelled to the deserts of Syria and Mesopotamia

1920 -Establishment of Soviet power in Armenia

1991 -Independence of the Republic of Armenia

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