What is it like...

[Julia]

...in Armenia?

A small introduction about me: I'm only 1/4 Armenian, but I'm learning the language and plan to earn my PhD in Ancient Armenian history. I don't know why I'm so interested in Armenia, however. I came here to learn all I can.

[Catharsis]

Re: What is it like...

Hi Julia and welcome. I think everyone of us can say so many things about Armenia (most of it good of course), however, essentially it will come down to you personally to visit Armenia and see it for yourself with your own eyes and take it from there.

It is after all, like so many things, a personal choice and opinion. Having said that here is a personal opinion - glad you have taken such keen interest in your Armenian heritage!

[Julia]

Re: What is it like...

What part of Armenia do you personally suggest that I visit?

[Eddo211]

Re: What is it like...

...in Armenia?

A small introduction about me:...I'm learning the language and plan to earn my PhD in Ancient Armenian history. I don't know why I'm so interested in Armenia...

Because Armenian blood runs deep in you............the history of an epic survival of a remarkable people against all odds.

[Icy]

Re: What is it like...

Before I read up on articles on Armenia, I honestly did
not know anything about Armenia itself. Armenia has had
a harsh past, but each part of its history is like a puzzle,
you have to read from many legit sources to find out the
truth.

[Haykakan]

Re: What is it like...

What part of Armenia do you personally suggest that I visit?

You can see a lot in a short time! Go to Yerevan first and there will be lots of places around it you can easily get to. Garni is worth a visit to plus sevan. There is hardly anywhere in Armenia where you can endup and not find a piece of history and natural beuty side by side.

[Anoush]

Re: What is it like...

What part of Armenia do you personally suggest that I visit?

The mountains of Tilijan are superb! I would visit there, then Gyumri, which is the 2nd largest city up on the north part of Armenia. Then Girovagan, but do not forget to visit Etchmiadsin, built in 303 AD, and also Vayots Dsor and Jermuk. Jermuk is beautiful and you can repose there and take a good rest by Jermuk's falls. Then you must go to Artsakh, unfortunately I haven't seen it yet and it's a must!!! Enjoy the beauty of Armenia and have a safe trip and while you're at it take me with you!!

[Julia]

Re: What is it like...

Okay, thanks everyone for your input.

[Pazooki]

Re: What is it like...

and dont forget to go to Sevana Leech :P

[Catharsis]

Re: What is it like...

What part of Armenia do you personally suggest that I visit?

Yerevan (the capital of Armenia with a lot of places to visit especially museums like History Museum of Armenia and National Gallery in Republic Square - priceless, very old artifacts and masterpieces here, Erebuni Museum near Erebuni fortress on Arin Berd hill dated to 782 BC - which is considered the birth year of Yerevan - so definitely see the ruins of Erebuni, Saryan Museum, Charents Museum, Parajanoff Museum, the Matenadaran Museum Depository of Ancient manuscripts where some of the ancient and medieval Armenian illuminated manuscripts are displayed, the Armenian Genocide Monument and Museum on Tsitsernakberd Hill etc. etc. there quite a lot of museums in Yerevan), Garni Temple (First Century AD Mithraic Temple) with the adjoining colorful mosaics in the antique Garni baths and Garni Gorge with natural (but seemingly man made) cliffs right below. Nearby is the medieval monastery of Geghard, again built on heathen Temple chiseled right out of the massive cliff! As in all Armenian monasteries some very beautiful Armenian khachkars (cross-stones) are throughout the grounds of the monastery. Ruins of the beautiful fifth century Ereruyk Basilica on the right banks of Arax river facing Ani. In northern Armenia various monastic complexes like Odzun, Sanahin, Gndevank, Kecharis, Hovannavank, Haghpat, Akhtala, Goshavank as well as many others (I can list additional monuments if you wish).

Near Armavir, Sardarapat Victory Monument (over invading Turkish army) along with the Armenian Ethnographic Museum. Visit the nearby Metsamor Museum (again in Armavir province) where you can see some of the very old Armenian artifacts from the Stone age all the way through Bronze and Iron ages. Metsamor was a very important metal smelting and producing center throughout the whole Near East.In Vagharshapat, there are a lot of churches and monasteries (The seat of Armenian Apostolic Church at Etchmiadzin's Mother Cathedral from early fourth century built upon an older Mithraic temple, ruins of the 7th century superb Zvartnots Cathedral, St. Gayane, St. Hripsime, St. Gevorg etc.). Khor Virap Monastery overlooking the beautiful Mount Ararat right above - where according to tradition St. Gregory the Illuminator was imprisoned for many years before his release and conversion of Armenia to Christianity in 301 AD. Visit Lake Sevan (largest lake within the borders of the Armenian Republic) there are two beautiful medieval monasteries on the peninsula of the lake. Visit the ruins of the imposing medieval Amberd fortress and Marmashen monastery in Aragatsotn province (central Armenia) on the slopes of breathtaking Mount Aragats with high elevation and breathtaking scenery. A visit to the nearby Byurakan Observatory (including the museum of the Observatory and the largest telescope tower) where Armenian astrophysicist Victor Hambardzumyan made many astronomical discoveries would also be very good. As with all these monuments lots and lots of history behind them.

Visit Armenia's second and third largest cities - Gyumri and Vanadzor - respectively in Shirak and Lori provinces in the north, if you have a chance some very nice monuments and scenery here. Lori province is sometimes called the Switzerland of Armenia because of its lush green forests. In Vayots Dzor province the beautiful Norashen monastery and the ruins of medieval Gladzor university, in Syunik province there are many important monuments like the still standing Tatev Monastery and University. There is also the many millennia old Karahunge or Zorats Karer circle that is the parallel of Stonehenge. There are also rock pictographs dating to the dawn of history, in the foothills of Ughtasar (Syunik) and Geghama (Lake Sevan basin) mountains. Visit the ruins of Spitakavor church in Syunik, where the remains of Armenian National Hero Garegin Nzdheh are interned. If you have a chance visit Artsakh (to the east of the Armenian Republic adjoining Syunik province of RA) also which is an independent republic in its own right. The landscape there is also amazingly beautiful! While amongst the important monuments of Artsakh are the Gandzasar and Dadivank monasteries with many many other landmarks in cities like Stepanakert and Shushi.

You would also want to visit Yerevan State University and American University of Armenia (also in Yerevan) to talk about Armenian history courses there since that would be of interest to you! This is only tip of the iceberg so do speak, since there is so much to see and so much to do in Armenia!