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The originality and uniqueness of Armenia rests on three pillars – the unique charm of its mountainous nature, the ancient Christian heritage ( Armenia was among the first countries to adopted it) and its original national culture. It is the main treasure of Armenia which it has managed to preserve in spite its dramatic history.
Armenia which is located between the East and the West was the place of collisions between great empires of antiquity and the Middle Ages. Rome , Iran , Byzantium , Arabs, Seljuks, Mongols crossed Armenia and destroyed it interrupting its cultural development leaving behind nothing but the smoking ruins. Having managed to resist each of the powerful newcomers, the people have saved fidelity to their culture which nevertheless underwent some changes. As a result the national culture of Armenia acquired some features characteristic to both eastern and western civilizations.
Armenian material and spiritual culture have resulted from rich cultures of the most ancient inhabitants of Armenian uplands, all those ethnic elements which participated in the formation of Armenian people. Naturally, the greatest role was played by the outstanding Urartu culture. Until 301 the culture of Armenia had developed under two influences - western (Hellenism) and eastern ( Parthia ). However, these influences only supplemented and enriched the national culture. Christianity as one of the mighty sources of the world's culture created new trends in architecture, fine arts, and music. The creation of Armenian alphabet in 405 by Mesrop Mashtots became a major milestone in the development of culture.
Architecture
“Ayastan – karastan” is Armenian for “ Armenia - the stone country”. The mountainous landscape of the country defined the lines of its architecture. Powerfully and monumentally, like the mountains surrounding them, stand the monuments of medieval architecture. Read more...
Khachkars
Each culture possesses a certain original element which becomes a symbol of the entire national culture. In Armenia such symbol is “khachkar”, the so-called crosses-stones, the monuments of Armenia which are not found anywhere in the world. The word “khachkar” is formed by two Armenian roots: “khach” (cross) and "kar" (stone). Read more...
Applied Arts
Traditionally, weaving, carpet weaving, pottery, lacemaking, jewelry making, household utensils were and still are the basic forms household occupations. Read more...
You can see the first specimens of national painting on the architectural monuments of Echmiadzin, antique Garni and other temples, including the ones from Urartu period. Read more...
Literature
Just as the alphabet and writing were invented the first literature monuments in Armenian language started to appear. They are dated the 5th – 7th centuries. The most prominent are the historical works by Movses Khorenatsi. Read more...
Theatre
The art of theater on the territory of Armenia began long before the Christian age. It was introduced by the founders of this art form – ancient Greeks - during Hellenistic epoch when the territory of Armenian uplands was occupied by Great Armenia with the capital in Tigranakert. Read more...
Museums
The State History Museum, the Museum of History of the city of Yerevan, the State Picture Gallery, the Modern Art Museum... Read more...
Music
Armenian music is like no other. It has its special melodic pattern and rich sounding. This originality is reached due to the use of original Armenian instruments which have survived from the early Middle Ages – pander and bambir, the violin prototypes; the strings – tavikh and knar; the wind instruments –reed pipe, zurn, avagpog; percussions - drums. Read more...
Folklore
Armenian folklore is extremely rich and various. The ancient myths about the gods dated Hellenistic epoch are considered its basis. Read more...
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