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Crossroads - the word is overused but
how more appropriately would you name the place where roads have crossed and
still do so, both actually and metaphorically. This has been the case with
Armenian history, culture and people. This country has been inhabited since the
early Stone Age. It was between Assyria and Hittia, Persia and Rome, the
Byzantine Empire and the Baghdad Caliphate, the Russian and the Ottoman
Empires. Armenia is on the crossroads between Asia and Europe. Its
geographically advantageous and strategically valued location between the great
powers of the world made Armenia a prized country - a bridge between the
Eastern and Western civilizations.
Armenia has been the stage for some of
the principal political and religious events for the past 4 thousand years.
From the time of Assyria and Babylon, this ancient land has experienced
numerous invasions from the legions of Alexander of Macedonia to those of the
Roman Empire and the hordes of Genghis-Kahn and Tamberlane. Although a mere dot
on the map of the world, Armenia was a powerful kingdom at one time and at the
zenith of its territorial expansion, stretched from the Black Sea to the
Caspian Sea and from the Mediterranean to Lake Urmia in what is now Iran. It
held control of some of the main branches in the Middle East of the Great Silk
Road. One of its three principal branches ran along the Ararat Valley through
the territory of modern Armenia. The close economic ties with neighboring
countries and East - West trade routes across the Armenian plateau favoured the
development of the country's economy, trade, commerce and culture. The high
level of Armenia put it on a par with the civilizations of the ancient world.
The political boundaries of the country have been extremely elastic - altered
by war, occupation and dismemberment. Numerous migrations into the land,
invasions and conquests have left their genetic, linguistic and cultural
imprint on the people. Still, the Armenian nation has tenaciously preserved its
national and cultural identity, although repeatedly invaded and conquered.
The conversion of King Trdat by St.
Gregory the Illuminator resulted in Armenia becoming the first country in the
world to accept Christianity as the state religion, more than a decade before
Constantine made it the official religion of the Roman Empire. The
evangelization of the country resulted in the development of the first Armenian
written language and of national literature. The Armenian language is a member
of the Indo-European group of languages. The Armenian alphabet, invented at the
beginning of the fifth century, is remarkably well suited to the phonetic
values of the language and has undergone virtually no alteration in form or
structure since its creation.
Through the centuries, Armenia has
managed to preserve a wealth of evidence of the evolution of humankind. the
country is rightly called an open-air geological and archaeological museum,
dating back to the dawn of recorded history. Monuments of the Paleolithic and
Neolithic ages, as well as ancient settlements have been found in various parts
of the country. As one of the oldest Christian countries, it boasts the densest
concentration of monuments of early Christianity. In the arts, Armenians have
exhibited their greatest originality in architecture, most notably in the
fields of military and religious architecture. Preserved here are architectural
monuments, valuable in studying the origins of the development of world
architecture. The high artistic merits distinguishing these monuments, their
rare beauty and distinctiveness have attracted the attention of researchers
from all over the world.
A visit to Armenia often develops into
a search for the essence of the country and soon becomes a search for a better
knowledge of oneself. When you visit Armenia, take the occasion to stop and
listen attentively to your inner rhythm. Attune it to the rhythm of the life
pulsing through "the country of a found and a lost Eden". Set your
pace to its pace - stroll through the bustling avenues of major cities, walk
along the quaint streets of provincial towns. Relax on the sun-warmed steps of
a hilltop chapel. Feast on the authentic ceremony of a meal. Enjoy a leisurely
conversation in a mountain hamlet - let the flow of the life of the country
embrace you. Sharpen your senses and feel Armenia. It can be sipped with coffee
at a cozy sidewalk cafe or gulped with cold water on a hot day.
You have to be really enterprising and
sturdy to see and enjoy all of these: volcanic peaks, crystal clear lakes,
forests teeming with wildlife, innumerable hot and cold mineral springs,
guarded by prehistoric rock-carved dragons, inimitable geological structures
and hurtling waterfalls, and the pristine waters of Lake Sevan. A dusty road
stops suddenly at a Silk Road caravan inn; grim caves hide ancient settlements;
time stands still in river canyons while listening to stone "organs".
Churches, castles and temples rise in their full and ancient glory, intricately
carved stone crosses stand at every bend of the road, silent reminders of a
stormy and eventful past.
Explore the galaxies with the largest
telescope in Europe and compare it with our astral observatory from 2400 BCE.
Listen carefully in the enveloping silence and hear the lonely singing of a boy
tending cattle by a stream, women separating wheat from the chaff in the summer
breeze or fishermen gathering their catch just as they did millennia ago.
And everywhere - stone.
Stone is the Meaning and Explanation:
Armenia stands on stone, is built of stone and the character of Armenians is
shaped by thousands of years of sheer hard work and need to shape rock into a
useful and graceful substance. It is a rigorous and beautiful land, inhabited
by a determined and courageous, warm and gracious people, rewarding the
adventurous soul with unforgettable personal experiences. Therein lies her
wealth and therein lies the most enthralling discovery for travelers. Armenia
is a place where nature lives and history comes to life. And it is a country
that rivals all others for the hospitality and friendship it offers visitors.
Therein lies her beauty, cherished by natives and foreigners alike.
Planning a visit to Armenia involves
many decisions: whether to travel in a group or alone, by car, van or on foot;
whether to stay in hotels or camp in tents. It is easy to get around by
amazingly inexpensive public transportation or a hired car - ideal for a
self-drive touring holiday. You'll also find quite a few who speak English,
French, German, Italian and, of course, Russian and you'll find them very
anxious to be helpful. To save time making arrangements for visas, flights and
accommodation in Armenia and to enjoy the trip from beginning to end, we
suggest you choose professionally organized tours and group excursions. Based
on your interests, requirements and time available the Artimpexpo Tour Company.
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