Spending Your Time in Armenia

Music
Armenia has a long tradition of musical art, dating back to prehistoric times, and Armenian musicians played a fundamental role in the modernization of oriental music during the nineteenth century. Armenian traditional music differs from its oriental counterparts by its sobriety.
The republic of Armenia has thus far continued the trend set in Soviet years. The opera house, the theaters, and the concert halls are the pride of Armenians and have remained highly accessible to the general public. Armenian folk, classic, and religious music, as well as its composers, such as Komitas and A. Khatchadourian, have been known throughout the world. The folk-dance ensembles have also been participating in various international festivals.
One of the most important parts of Armenian culture is the music, One of the many types of music listened to by Armenians is called "Rabiz" and "Armenian Rap" which the first artists ever to perform these types of music are, Harutun Artemyan, Gevork Tataryan,and Arthur Davtyan, which has in recent years brought new forms of music, while maintaining traditional styles too. This is evidenced by the world-class Armenian Philharmonic Orchestra that performs at the beautifully refurbished Yerevan Opera House, where one can also attend a full season of opera. In addition, several chamber ensembles are highly regarded for their musicianship, including the National Chamber Orchestra of Armenia and the Serenade Orchestra. Classical music can also be heard at one of several smaller venues, including the Yerevan State Musical Conservatory and the Chamber Orchestra Hall. Jazz is popular, especially in the summer when live performances are a regular occurrence at one of the city’s many outdoor cafés and parks. The traditional instrument in the duduk (pronounced doo-dook).

Cinema
Namus was the first Armenian silent black and white film (1926, Namus at the Internet Movie Database), directed by Hamo Beknazarian and based on a play of Alexander Shirvanzade describing the ill fate of two lovers, who were engaged by their families to each other since childhood, but because of violations of namus (a tradition of honor), the girl was married by her father to another man. In 1968, Sergei Parajanov created The Color of Pomegranates.

Food
Armenian cuisine is as ancient as the history of Armenia, a combination of different tastes and aromas. Their food often has quite a distinct smell. Closely related to eastern and Mediterranean cuisine, various spices, vegetables, fish, and fruits combine to present unique dishes. Throughout history, Armenian cuisine has had cultural exchange with the cuisines of neighboring countries, i.e. Greek, Russian, Turkish, and Arab. Armenia is also famous for its wine and brandy. In particular, Armenian cognac is renowned worldwide (winner of several awards), and was considered by the late British Prime Minister, Sir Winston Churchill, as his favourite. It has often been referred to as the food of today The pomegranate, with its symbolic association with fertility, is the national fruit. Armenia is also vine and grape country.

Sports
Sports have always been popular in Armenia, during the ancient Olympics Armenian princes and nobles often were contestants.[citation needed] The most popular sporting activities are football, weight-lifting and wrestling.
Performance Arts. Armenia has a long tradition of musical art, dating back to prehistoric times, and Armenian musicians played a fundamental role in the modernization of oriental music during the nineteenth century. Armenian traditional music differs from its oriental counterparts by its sobriety.

Armenian Culture

Over the years Armenia has developed a modern, unique and successful culture. Many aspects of the culture are based on the geography, literature, architecture, dance, and music of the people.

Literature
Literature began in Armenia around 400 A.D. The majority of the literary arts were created by Moses of Khorene, in the 5th century. Through the years the elements of literature have changed as the stories and myths were passed on through generations. During the 19th century, writer Mikael Nalbandian worked to create a new Armenian literary identity. Nalbandian's poem "Song of the Italian Girl" may have been the inspiration for the Armenian national anthem, Mer Hayrenik.

Dance
The Armenian dance heritage has been one of the oldest, richest and most varied in the Near East. From the fifth to the third millennia B.C., in the higher regions of Armenia there are rock paintings of scenes of country dancing. These dances were probably accompanied by certain kinds of songs or musical instruments. In the fifth century Moses of Khorene (Movsés Khorenats'i) himself had heard of how the old descendants of Aram (that is Armenians) make mention of these things (epic tales) in the ballads for the lyre and their songs and dances.




Architecture
Classical Armenian Architecture is divided into four separate periods. The first Armenian churches were built between the 4th and 7th Century, beginning when Armenia converted to Christianity, and ending with the Arab invasion of Armenia. The early churches were mostly simple basilicas, but some with side apses. By the fifth century the typical cupola cone in the center had become widely used. By the Seventh century, centrally-planned churches had been built and a more complicated niched buttress and radiating Hrip'simé style had formed. By the time of the Arab invasion, most of what we now know as classical Armenian architecture had formed.

Art
The National Art Gallery in Yerevan has more than 16,000 works that date back to the Middle Ages, which indicate Armenia's rich tales and stories of the times. It houses paintings by many European masters as well. The Modern Art Museum, the Children’s Picture Gallery, and the Martiros Saryan Museum are only a few of the other noteworthy collections of fine art on display in Yerevan. Moreover, many private galleries are in operation, with many more opening every year, featuring rotating exhibitions and sales.


Lacemaking
Like Lacis Armenian needle lace seems to be an obvious descendant of netmaking. Where lacis adds decorative stitches to a net ground, Armenian needlelace involves making the net itself decorative. There is some archaeological evidence suggesting the use of lace in prehistoric Armenia and the prevalence of pre-christian symbology in traditional designs would certainly suggest a pre-Christian root for this art form. In contrast to Europe where lace was the preserve of the nobility, in Armenia it decorated everything from traditional headscarves to lingerie. Thus lacemaking was part of many women's lives.

Explore the Capitals of Armenia

During its existence Armenia had 13 capitals - Yeravan, Artashat, Vagharshapat, which is current Echmiadzin-the holly city, Dvin, Ani, Bagaran, Yerezgavors, Armavir, Yervandashat, Kars, Van and Tigranakert, which is named after the King Tigran Great who had his kingdom starching from Mediterranean Sea to the Black Sea. Only few of the ancient capital are today in the territory of the Republic of Armenia, the others have been beaten by various invaders during the history of the Armenian nation – full of triumphs and tragedies masked with joy and happiness.

Taking a tour to Armenian ancient capitals will mean a journey through the rich and colorful history of one nation which has given the world number of traditions, states of arts, talented musicians and composers, etc.

During the tour through Armenia one can enjoy the staying in various luxurious and comfortable hotels. Those preferring comfort and willing to enjoy the Armenian culture we would advice staying at Tufenkian Heritage Hotels.

Old Dilijan Complex situated in the town of Dilijan, the northern part of Armenia, Tavoush region. This region is known for its picturesque landscape, mild climate and many historic sites. Here one can enjoy activities such as shopping for crafts and souvenirs, taste traditional Armenian dishes, visit Tufenkian showroom, go for hike or just relax in cozy guest house.

Avan Marak Tsapatagh Hotel is another unique place where one can enjoy his/her stay. With a stunning view of Lake Sevan and the surrounding mountainous terrain, this hotel provides an ideal setting for a variety of outdoor activities. The lodge is constructed of Armenian stone and evokes a strong communal feeling among its guests. The delicate Zanazan Restaurant at Avan Marak Tsapatagh, overlooking Lake Sevan with an open terrace, offers exceptional Armenian cuisine. The Sevan Lake National park, the only national park in Armenia, and the Artanish Penisula, which are close to the hotel, are perfect areas to take in the natural beauty of the area.

Avan Dzoraget Hotel is located in Lori Province, on the main road to Tbilisi, the capital of Georgia. It features a restaurant featuring traditional Armenian and Georgian dishes, an indoor swimming pool, a sauna, a gym, and it can accommodate conventions and business gatherings for groups of up to eighty participants. Surrounded by spectacular rock formations, the three-floor hotel offers 34 double rooms and apartments overlooking Dzoraget village, the river, and surrounding mountains. The beauty of this place is that the hotel is situated beside the rushing Debed River, in the land of wonderful mountain landscapes, ruins of medieval fortresses, and some of Armenia's most beautiful monasteries. The hotel’s architecture is synonymous with that of the region and its heritage.

Northern parts of Armenia are exceptionally beautiful. Visit to cities Kapan and Goris should definitely be in the itinerary of every tourist visiting Armenia. The glory of Goris is seen from the above mountain, where one can stand and enjoy the scene of small red roofs symmetrically glimpsing from behind the green trees. As to Kapan, the houses and apartments are literally build on the forest mountains: the city is situated in the gorge which seems to be guarded by the mount Khustoop – proudly glancing at Kapan. No words and descriptions can ever replace a one time visit to these places, so one can hardly have complete tour to Armenia without visiting Goris and Kapan.

Life in Yerevan

The City of Yerevan, the capital of Armenia, is 2790 years old. The center of the city has a grid pattern of streets intersected by some circular roads and a lot of parks. Virtually all hotels, museums, government offices, clubs and the like are in the very center, which can be walked across in 20 minutes - making Yerevan an extremely walkable city. In the summer and fall, central Yerevan can feel like one big café, with the Opera area being their capital. It remains light out until late, people are out drinking surj (Armenian coffee) and freshes (fruit smoothies), eating pastries and crepes. The days can be hot, so the nights are perfect for sitting out. In the winter it is much quieter out, yet the many teahouses across downtown Yerevan are quite packed as well as downtown's main outdoor winter attraction - ice-skating by the Opera. Spring is beautiful, with short showers and lots of greenery.

Yerevan is the largest centre of the republic's food and light industries. Almost all of the woollen and silk fabrics produced in Armenia are made in Yerevan. The cognacs for which Armenia is famous are produced at the Yerevan Cognac Factory which you may visit and where you can take part in the tasting of these wonderful products. Armenian cognacs are participants at almost all international exhibitions and fairs. More than fifty medals, the majority of them gold medals, from the proud collection of international awards are won by Armenian cognacs.

Much praise has also fallen to Armenian wines, most of which are produced at the Yerevan Winery and the Yerevan Factory of Champagne Wines. Yerevan is not only the heart, but also the brain of the republic, the major scientific centre of Armenia. All in all, there are more than 120 research institutions in Armenia, most of which are in Yerevan. The centre of Armenian science is the Armenian Academy of Sciences.

The Armenian capital is the heir of the past culture and the focal point of the contemporary culture of the Armenian people. During your stay in Yerevan, you can visit its various museums, attend performances at its theatres and concert halls, and watch a wide range of interesting sports competitions -from local to international meets - at its stadiums and sports grounds.

Those Who Know Them Best Esteem Them Most Highly.

History. Armenians, an ancient civilisation whose history is long, complex, and in many ways epic and heroic. The descendants of Aram the Brave and Haik the forefather and establisher of the first Armenian kingdom in third millennium BC. A nation who had Kings, Royal dynasties and a widespread Armenian empire since the first century BC. under King Tigran II the Great.

Religion. Armenians are the first nation to adopt Christianity as the official religion of the state (301 A.D.). Armenians created a rich and a colourful culture, alphabet and a socioeconomic structure that has allowed them to preserve their distinct way of life.

National Identity. The Armenian national identity is essentially a cultural one. From the historical depths of its culture and the dispersion of its bearers, it has acquired a richness and diversity rarely achieved within a single national entity, while keeping many fundamental elements that ensure its unity. Its bearers exhibit a strong sense of national identity. It is an identity strongly influenced by the historical experiences of the Armenians.

Literature. Armenians have a rich history of oral and written literature. During the nineteenth century, under the influence of a European interest in folklore and oral literature, a new movement started that led to the collection of oral epic poems, songs, myths, and stories.

Graphic Arts. Historically, Armenian art has been associated with architecture, bas-reliefs, stone engravings, steles, illuminated manuscripts, and tapestry. Since the Armenian Renaissance during the nineteenth century, interest in drawing, painting, sculpture, textiles, pottery, needlework, and lace has intensified. A new Armenian style of bright colors emerged in painting. An interest in landscape painting, rustic images, a focus on rural life, and ethnographic genre paintings were noticeable in Soviet Armenia. A national art gallery houses the works of Sarian, M. Avedissian, Hagopian, Soureniantz, and other artists.

Performance Arts. Armenia has a long tradition of musical art, dating back to prehistoric times, and Armenian musicians played a fundamental role in the modernization of oriental music during the nineteenth century. Armenian traditional music differs from its oriental counterparts by its sobriety.
The opera house, the theaters, and the concert halls are the pride of Armenians and have remained highly accessible to the general public. Armenian folk, classic, and religious music, as well as its composers, such as Komitas and A. Khatchadourian, have been known throughout the world.

Etiquette. Armenians put great emphasis on hospitality and generosity. There is also an emphasis on respect for guests.