Armenia – This enchanting country, located in the southern Caucasus, with its old world allure, the religious mystique of Mount Ararat, and a recorded history that extends thousands of years before the birth of Christ, is a study in the history of man. The Shulari-Shomu culture, which encompassed an area around modern day Armenia, is the earliest known prehistoric culture in the area, dating back to between 4,000 and 6,000 BC. The Armenian Apostolic Church was established by Thaddeaus and Bartholomew, two of Jesus’ twelve apostles. The church has remained independent through to present day, despite the rise and major influences of the Eastern Orthodox and Catholic Churches. Armenia was the first nation to adopt Christianity as its state religion and now celebrates its 17th century as a Christian nation. Armenians take pride in the celebrations of life, like baptisms and weddings, and welcome visitors to enjoy the religious heritage of the country to enhance their own celebrations. Echmiadzin means the “The Descent of the Only Begotten Son”, which befits this ancient capital of Armenia. Legend holds that Jesus descended from heaven and indicated that a church was to be built on the spot where Holy Echmiadzin Cathedral was erected early in the fourth century.

Armenia was under foreign domination for some 400 years until the dissolution of the Soviet Union. The Ottomans killed over 1.5 million Armenian people during the genocide of 1915 to1917. Armenia had a short independence right after the Russian revolution, but was then brought into the Soviet Union until it declared its sovereignty from the USSR in 1990, during the breakup.

This incredible amount of history has left the country recovering from a very weak economy, but also with a culture rich in the history of man. Located in the Cradle of Civilization and a evolving from a post along the famed Great Silk Road, there are about 40,000 historical monuments spread across Armenia. As previously noted, Christianity has been the state religion since 301 AD and a unique part of the national heritage includes some 4,000 khatchkars, intricately decorated crosses carved on monolithic rocks, each with its own unique pattern. As might be expected, hiking is a favorite pastime in Armenia. The mountains are favorite spots due to mineral waters that are renowned for their therapeutic value. Visit enchanting Dilijan National Park and the charming hamlet in the hills, Dilijan, nestled in the center of this beautiful park in the northern hills region of Tavoush.

If you are interested in water sports, take a short 60 kilometer trip north from Yerevan to Lake Sven, a fresh water 1256 square kilometer lake with a maximum depth of 82 meters. Famous for its variety of fresh water fish, like “ishkan” trout, and as a resort to escape summer heat, Lake Sevan is the pride of Armenia and offers many beaches, hotels and restaurants. While you are there, visit the Sevan Monastery on the island/peninsula of Sevan (depending upon the water level). Here you can see the architecture of two cross shaped churches dating from 874 when the monastery was founded.

Entertainment comes in a wide variety of forms. From concerts to puppet theatre, there is always something to enjoy; however, the greatest aspect of this cultural treasure chest is its people, who have a four millennia tradition of welcoming visitors to their country. Visit Armenia and be welcomed with “Bari Galoust” when you arrive in this valley of Noah’s Landing.

Here are Global Net Trading's preferred websites:

http://www.armeniainfo.am/index.php One of the most interesting websites this writer has seen, with virtual tours of every aspect of Armenia. Go to the calendar of events and plug in the dates of your visit to get a review of cultural events taking place.

http://www.hyeetch.nareg.com.au/republic/tourism_p1.html A pleasant look into the most interesting aspects of Armenia’s history.