Armenia Nov 20 2006
Armenia was the first country to adopt Christianity as
its state religion in AD 301. To explore Armenia is to delve into history: from
Erebuni, an archaeological site studded with over 200 ancient rock engravings;
and Ughtasar, an ancient fortress perched on top of a mountainous plateau; to
countless monasteries and churches embedded in dramatic landscape. Yerevan, the
capital of Armenia, is one of the oldest cities in the world, founded nearly
2800 years ago during the time of ancient Babylon. Although most of the old town
was demolished in the 1930s, it is now decked out in more modern Soviet design.
Indeed, Yerevan represents the very crux of Armenia: withholding both its
ancient origins, a turbulent passage through time and now the forging of new
beginnings.
Despite the violence of its history, Armenia is
beautiful. Lake Sevan is the largest lake in the Caucasus, much praised for its
pure waters and stunning setting, whilst North Dilijhan is a resort touted for
its medicinal mineral waters. Touristic infrastructure is continually improving
and there is greater opportunity to hike and horse ride every year. This
greatness of the scenery complies with Armenia’s past (albeit brief) status as a
great power. Before it was incorporated into the Roman Empire in AD114, the
Armenian Empire stretched from the Caspian Sea in the east to the Mediterranean
in the west.
Since then, the country has been tragically dogged
by lost territory, national persecution and mass emigration. Subsequent Armenian
history has been comprised of foreign domination and dissent, most notably when,
at the outbreak of World War I, Turkish government catalysed the first genocide
of the 20th century, in which an estimated one-and-a-quarter million Armenians
were massacred and hordes more fled or were forced into exile. Nature itself
seized power in December 1988 when a massive earthquake destroyed much of the
capital, Diaspora, killing several thousand people. Rather than wilt in
collective gloom, the Armenian mood strengthened and the country eventually
gained independence. Even the murder of Premier Sarkisian and seven other
leading politicians in 1999 temporarily paralysed the country’s politics but did
not halt progress. Armenians have not quieted their protests: in early 2004,
thousands of opposition supporters marched against the allegedly corrupt
president, Kocharian.
Armenian character is key: the towns and cities
are relics of endurance. It is the character of the locals that leads them to
proudly inform visitors that Winston Churchill always insisted on Armenian
brandy in preference to French. We advise you to follow their advice and raise a
glass to Armenia.
Provided
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