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APPRECIATING ARMENIA
Australian Times
April 5 2013
When visiting relatives in Armenia for the first time, SANDRA
TAHMASBY discovers a unique culture, history and heritage in this
oft-overlooked nation.
I ALWAYS thought I would be the one to put Armenia on the map but the
Kardashians beat me to it. Although I am of Armenian heritage, the
country was never top of my list of must-see places. This changed with
a once-in-a-lifetime visit to the Caucasus region for a family reunion.
I had always heard great stories of my Armenian background. For
instance, how our famous Ararat Mountains hold the remains of Noah's
Ark run aground after the flood. What's more, we were the first
Christian nation with the formation of the Armenian Church in 301 AD.
It seems this proud country of three million people has much to offer.
There were also tragic tales of our history, hardship and culture and
how we fought to save our existence. As a Christian enclave within the
Ottoman Empire, Armenia suffered centuries of persecution. Between
1915 and 1922, there were forced marches into the Syrian desert and
alleged Turkish pogroms which led to 1.5 million deaths and claims of
genocide. In the early 1920s, Armenia was invaded by the Bolsheviks
and absorbed in to the Soviet Union leading to mass emigration to
North America and France. Hence, the worldwide Armenian diaspora
making tourist pilgrimages to their ancestral homeland.
Yerevan, Armenia's capital and largest city, is lush with trees,
magnificent gardens, ancient ruins, landmarks, fresh fruit and natural
springs. It is made up of small villages where the locals have built
houses and cultivated fresh produce. The fruit is fresh, the air is
clean, and the horizon is made up of churches as far as the eye can
see. Not forgetting Yerevan's best asset - its generous people who
are welcoming beyond measure.
The capital is rapidly modernizing with dusty streets increasingly
being replaced by high-rise buildings, cosmopolitan cafes and bars
and a thriving arts scene. There is also a large choice of traditional
restaurants offering tasty kebabs, fragranced rice and casseroles.
However, if you eat out with the locals and share some wine, pour the
last drops in to your own glass. If you empty a bottle in to someone
else's glass, it is customary for them to buy the next bottle.
My favourite place was the historical site with a statue of Saint
Mesrob Mashtots teaching a student the Armenian alphabet. This
revolutionary concept of 36 letters was devised in 405 AD originally
as a numbering system. This was a fundamental step in strengthening
the Armenian Church, the government, and ultimately the bond between
Armenians throughout the empire.
If you are looking for souvenirs, head to Vernissage, Yerevan's
weekend open air flea market by the Republic Square metro station.
There is a mix of traditional wares, modern art and the latest trends
in the region. Handicrafts, ceramics, dolls, jewelry, embroidery,
carved wood, carpets and pets are among the many treasures on offer.
I loved Armenia so much that I acquired my own lifetime souvenir -
a tattoo. Come to think of it, maybe I helped to put Armenia on the
map in my own small way!
Practical information:
â- Take US Dollars or Euros and an ATM card. Yerevan banks will change
other currencies. HSBC branch ATMs in Yerevan will give you US Dollars.
â- A 21-day tourist visa costs US$30 and is available at the border.
â- Museums and galleries often close on Mondays.
â- Temperatures: can reach 40C in summer and -10C in winter (until
April or May).
â- www.armeniadiaspora.com - a US site for the worldwide Armenian
community.
â- www.lonelyplanet.com/armenia - travel information.
http://www.australiantimes.co.uk/travel/travel-inspiration/appreciating-armenia.htm
Australian Times
April 5 2013
When visiting relatives in Armenia for the first time, SANDRA
TAHMASBY discovers a unique culture, history and heritage in this
oft-overlooked nation.
I ALWAYS thought I would be the one to put Armenia on the map but the
Kardashians beat me to it. Although I am of Armenian heritage, the
country was never top of my list of must-see places. This changed with
a once-in-a-lifetime visit to the Caucasus region for a family reunion.
I had always heard great stories of my Armenian background. For
instance, how our famous Ararat Mountains hold the remains of Noah's
Ark run aground after the flood. What's more, we were the first
Christian nation with the formation of the Armenian Church in 301 AD.
It seems this proud country of three million people has much to offer.
There were also tragic tales of our history, hardship and culture and
how we fought to save our existence. As a Christian enclave within the
Ottoman Empire, Armenia suffered centuries of persecution. Between
1915 and 1922, there were forced marches into the Syrian desert and
alleged Turkish pogroms which led to 1.5 million deaths and claims of
genocide. In the early 1920s, Armenia was invaded by the Bolsheviks
and absorbed in to the Soviet Union leading to mass emigration to
North America and France. Hence, the worldwide Armenian diaspora
making tourist pilgrimages to their ancestral homeland.
Yerevan, Armenia's capital and largest city, is lush with trees,
magnificent gardens, ancient ruins, landmarks, fresh fruit and natural
springs. It is made up of small villages where the locals have built
houses and cultivated fresh produce. The fruit is fresh, the air is
clean, and the horizon is made up of churches as far as the eye can
see. Not forgetting Yerevan's best asset - its generous people who
are welcoming beyond measure.
The capital is rapidly modernizing with dusty streets increasingly
being replaced by high-rise buildings, cosmopolitan cafes and bars
and a thriving arts scene. There is also a large choice of traditional
restaurants offering tasty kebabs, fragranced rice and casseroles.
However, if you eat out with the locals and share some wine, pour the
last drops in to your own glass. If you empty a bottle in to someone
else's glass, it is customary for them to buy the next bottle.
My favourite place was the historical site with a statue of Saint
Mesrob Mashtots teaching a student the Armenian alphabet. This
revolutionary concept of 36 letters was devised in 405 AD originally
as a numbering system. This was a fundamental step in strengthening
the Armenian Church, the government, and ultimately the bond between
Armenians throughout the empire.
If you are looking for souvenirs, head to Vernissage, Yerevan's
weekend open air flea market by the Republic Square metro station.
There is a mix of traditional wares, modern art and the latest trends
in the region. Handicrafts, ceramics, dolls, jewelry, embroidery,
carved wood, carpets and pets are among the many treasures on offer.
I loved Armenia so much that I acquired my own lifetime souvenir -
a tattoo. Come to think of it, maybe I helped to put Armenia on the
map in my own small way!
Practical information:
â- Take US Dollars or Euros and an ATM card. Yerevan banks will change
other currencies. HSBC branch ATMs in Yerevan will give you US Dollars.
â- A 21-day tourist visa costs US$30 and is available at the border.
â- Museums and galleries often close on Mondays.
â- Temperatures: can reach 40C in summer and -10C in winter (until
April or May).
â- www.armeniadiaspora.com - a US site for the worldwide Armenian
community.
â- www.lonelyplanet.com/armenia - travel information.
http://www.australiantimes.co.uk/travel/travel-inspiration/appreciating-armenia.htm