One of the main reasons for traveling is to experience a different culture, uncover new narratives and get inspired by them. Armenian culture is itself a hidden gem even for travelers who have rich knowledge about various cultures around the world. Travel to Armenia to discover a country, which will surprise you with its special character and vital spirit. Below we summed up the most essential things you need to know about Armenia and its distinct culture.
Armenia is one of the oldest civilizations that is located in what was once called Mesopotamia, and in the course of different eras, it had powerful neighbors such as Babylon, Assyria, Median Kingdom, Persia, Roman and Byzantine empires. Many things have changed to this day, and nowadays this area is interpreted through various names like Caucasus, Transcaucasia or the Middle East. As a first step to understand Armenian culture, it is important to know precisely what its geographical location is actually called: Armenian Highland is the exact name of where you are going to travel. Armenian people have been the main inhabitants of this area since prehistoric times. The name of the area already suggests that people here live on high mountains where the strong sun and mighty winds form their astounding environment, where rocky summits and deep gorges hide numerous towns and cultural monuments.
Armenia is not an oriental country and neither is it a carrier of western traditions. It is a unique fusion of both cultures with a strong national conduct. When traveling in Armenia you will experience the independent spirit of Armenian culture through local people, history, architecture, traditions and food.
Armenian Literature
One of the unique components of Armenian culture is its language, with its 5th century AD alphabet that has not changed in its core since then. As an oral language, Armenian existed long before the scholar and priest Mesrop Mashtots created the script in 405 AD. Armenian language is a separate branch of the Indo-European language family. Mainly Armenians in Armenia and in the Diaspora speak it. Armenian is nothing like the languages of its contemporary neighbors, it is very specific with its script and melodic sound. After the creation of Armenian alphabet, numerous international treatises on philosophy, theology, natural science and literature were translated into Armenian. As an Armenian cultural fact, it is noteworthy that Armenia is the only country where you can find churches and a special ecclesiastical holiday dedicated to translators, whose intellectual work brought enlightenment and educational progress to medieval Armenia.
The rich medieval literature was then succeeded with works written in modern Armenian language. These were mainly novels on historical subject representing the formation of Armenian identity in the early modern times. 20th century Armenian literature is known for masterpieces in poetry. Even by reading the translation of Yeghishe Charents’ “My Sweet Armenia” you can feel the freedom of spirit and deep love towards the homeland that becomes viral while you travel in Armenia.
Religion in Armenia
Just like Armenian language, Christian religion became a unifying factor for Armenians. Surrounded by pagan countries, Armenia faced the danger of assimilation without its own culture and religion. In 301 AD Armenia became the first country in the world that officially adopted Christianity as a state religion, gaining the name Armenian Apostolic church. However, it is worth mentioning that the pagan culture has never faded. It has been transformed and somehow disguised under Christian traditions, but in daily life, you can still observe the heathen character of local people. You will also find many Christian monuments, which were once parts of pagan culture.
Armenian Architecture
From megalithic structures to pagan heritage, elaborate domed churches, influence of Byzantine and Persian architecture, Armenia developed its unique architectural style through centuries. During your cultural trip to Armenia, you may want to visit archeological sites that are witnesses of ancient civilizations, such as Zorats Karer, Shengavit, Erebouni, Artashat, Dvin, etc. The long medieval period in Armenian architecture is known for its monasteries, fortresses and general urban planning. A unique mix of Roman, Syrian, Iranian and local traditions create a special independent style.
Another unique period was the era of modernism during the times of Soviet Union. Some cities in Armenia still bear the fantastic constructivism and modernism style buildings, next to the main neoclassical style of Yerevan and Gyumri, which was a state approved style in soviet Armenia. Take a historical tour in the old Kumayri district in Gyumri or a private tour in the industrial neighborhoods of Vanadzor to observe the various architectural styles existing side by side.
Armenian Churches
During your cultural tours in Armenia you may visit several monasteries in a day. And while it may sound boring, you will be surprised to find how different each church is depending on its location, date and architectural school. In fact, in first world art history books written by German art historians in the beginning of the 19th century, Armenian Christian era architecture was the main characteristics representing the Armenian art and culture. Especially the 7th century St. Hripsime church, which was described as the expression of typical and independent Armenian culture. Typical Armenian churches have cross-shaped central-domed plans and solid walls with earthquake-proof mechanisms. You will not find heavily ornate interiors with frescoes or stained glass; instead, you will find simplicity and harmony in Armenian churches.
Armenian Theater
First evidence about Armenian theatrical culture goes back to pagan times when Greek tragedies and folk theaters became famous. Several Armenian kings were authors of tragedies that were performed in amphitheaters in Armenian cities. Armenians had their own pagan pantheon and there were festivals dedicated to these gods, during which people did various performances. Later on, theatrical life developed in smaller communities and didn’t reach the heights of literature or fine arts. However, in the Soviet era theater gained a huge voice among Armenians to represent their traditions and folklore. Nowadays small theatrical groups and experimental performances are becoming more famous among youth. Since 2003, High Fest International Performing Arts Festival has been held in Yerevan and it is already one of the favorite events of local people.
Armenian Music
The stunning building of the Opera and Ballet house in Yerevan has been home for local and world-known performances since the 1930’s. You may find musical concerts in the Opera house or Komitas Chamber Hall during your stay in Yerevan. Komitas, the 20th century greatest Armenian composer and founder of ethnomusicology, collected and refined Armenian folk and church music, as well as created his own piano and violin concerts filled with delicate and fresh sound. Nowadays a huge tendency of modernizing traditional music is taking place. Young musicians give second life to old Armenian music preserving the original instrumentation and simplicity. You will find diverse musical cultures in Armenia: Yerevan is known for its jazz spirit, Gyumri and Vanadzor are homes for local rock groups, and you can enjoy experimental music all around the pubs and bars in the cities. In case you are more into pure traditional music and dance – ask any villager to sing their local songs or join them in Armenian favorite kochari dance, which is one of the UNESCO intangible cultural heritages of Armenia.
Armenian Museums
All the above-mentioned cultural facts have their physical artifacts in numerous museums in Armenia. During your cultural tours, it is worth visiting a few of them.
- Matenadaran – the depository of Ancient Manuscripts is a mystical place to learn about the literary activities of Armenian people.
- The National History Museum is like an encyclopedia of Armenian long and diverse history. The astonishing collection of this museum with the oldest leather shoe, early bronze-age oak-tree carriages, cuneiform script, pagan and medieval items will surprise even the most experienced history-lovers.
- Cafesjian Center for the Arts will surprise you with contemporary art works exhibited in the heart of Yerevan.
- House museums of Martiros Saryan and Sergey Parajanov are great introductions into the life and career of two different creative minds.
- In Gyumri, visit the Aslamazyan sisters’ museum or take a tour in Sergey Merkurov’s museum to learn about an alternative direction in Armenian fine arts.
- Another extraordinary place to visit is the Mikoyan Brothers’ museum. Whoever knows about MiG aircrafts, will be pleasantly surprised to visit this museum in the peaceful Sanahin village in Lori region.
Armenian Cinema
Having its first experiments in the very beginning of the 20th century, the main development of Armenian cinema began during the Soviet era. The local folklore intertwined with communist lifestyle is represented in these movies spiced up with deep human tragedy and intellectual humor. The Golden Apricot Yerevan International Film Festival is an annual event taking place since 2004 in Armenia. It brings international cinema giants, involves and encourages local directors to create new masterpieces. Here is a modest list of Armenian directors whose movies are noteworthy:
- Artavazd Peleshyan (Earth of People; The Beginning; Life; The Seasons)
- Sergey Parajanov (Color of Pomegranate; Shadows of Forgotten Ancestors)
- Henrik Malyan (We and Our Mountains; A Piece of Sky)
- Frunze Dovlatyan (Hello, That’s me)
- Ruben Giney (Andin: Armenian Journey Chronicles)
- Atom Egoyan (A portrait of Arshile; Ararat)
- Garo Berberian (Taniel)
Last, but not least, the most important phenomenon of Armenian culture are the local people themselves, the lively embodiments of all these components. Especially during individual tours or on group tours, you can find time to interact with locals. No matter if they speak your language or not, the openness and hospitality will make you feel at home surrounded by good old friends.
