Where is Armenia - Maps, History and Facts
Imagine a land where ancient history whispers in the wind, breathtaking mountains pierce the clouds, and vibrant cultures collide in a symphony of flavors and traditions. This, my friends, is Armenia, a gem nestled in the heart of the Caucasus region, waiting to be discovered. Landlocked between Turkey, Georgia, Azerbaijan, and Iran, Armenia occupies a strategic crossroads, its location echoing its rich and complex past.
Armenia is a landlocked country in the Armenian Highlands of West Asia, located just south of the Caucasus mountain range. It is bordered by Turkey to the west, Georgia to the north and east, and Iran and the Azerbaijani exclave of Nakhchivan (historically part of Armenia up to 1921 but transferred to Azerbaijan by the Bolsheviks) to the south. Armenia has a total area of 29,743 square kilometers (11,484 square miles) and a population of about 3 million people. The capital and largest city is Yerevan, situated along the Hrazdan River, it is the administrative, cultural, and industrial center of the country.
Armenia has a rich and ancient history that dates back to the 16th century BC, when it was part of the Urartu civilization. Armenia became an independent kingdom in the 1st century BC under Tigranes the Great, who expanded its territory and influence in the region.
One of the three countries marked on the Babylonian clay slab-map (dates to no earlier than the 9th century BC (with a late 8th or 7th date being more likely)) is Armenia, which comes to prove once again that Armenia is one of the oldest countries on earth!
Map of the World from Sippar, Iraq, 6th century BCE. British Museum
Armenia was also one of the first countries to adopt Christianity as its official religion in 301 AD under King Tiridates III. Armenia has faced many invasions and conflicts throughout its history, such as by the Romans, Persians, Mongols, Ottomans, Russians, and Azerbaijanis. Armenia gained its independence from Russia in 1991 after decades of Soviet occupation.
Yereruyk Basilica in Armenia
Armenia is a landlocked country that has no access to the sea. It has a diverse geography that includes mountains, valleys, plains, forests, rivers, lakes, and waterfalls. Some of the most famous natural attractions in Armenia are Mount Aragats (highest summit), Lake Sevan (the largest lake in Armenia), Geghard Monastery (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), Garni Temple (the only standing Greco-Roman colonnaded building in Armenia and the former Soviet Union) etc. Armenia also has a rich cultural heritage that reflects its ancient traditions and modern influences. Some of the most notable aspects of Armenian culture are its language (Armenian), its literature, its music and its cuisine.
Armenian landscape: Lake Kari and mount Aragats
In conclusion, whether you're a history buff seeking ancient ruins, an adventurer craving mountain treks, or a culture enthusiast eager to delve into unique traditions, Armenia's location promises an unforgettable experience. So, pack your bags, open your mind, and embark on a journey to the heart of the Caucasus. Armenia awaits, ready to unveil its magic.
Галерея
