What is Armenia Known For? part 1

As we mentioned before, Armenia is an ancient country and its heritage from different times in history is unique and somewhat well-known worldwide. The small country has many sights that are included in the UNESCO World Heritage List and there are still many undiscovered places that are gaining more and more interest from archaeologists. First Christian Nation in the World Armenia is the first country that adopted Christianity as an official state religion in 301 AD, over 1700 years ago.
The major figure of the spread of Christianity in Armenia was Gregory the Illuminator, who was first dungeoned because of his religious views in Khor Virap. He was imprisoned for 13 years but was later released by Tiridates III. Gregory the Illuminator is the founder of the Armenian Church and is responsible for Armenia becoming a Christian nation. The Armenian Church is known as apostolic because of two disciples, Bartholomew and Thaddeus, of Jesus. Thaddeus came to Armenia to try to spread Christianity after his crucifixion. The first Christian churches in Armenia, and probably some of the first ones in the world, were built and still exist in the city of Etchmiadzin today.
The city name translates to “the only born came down”. Etchmiadzin Cathedral, St. Hripsime, Zvartnots church ruins, and others are protected by UNESCO World Heritage today and are some of the top things to see in Armenia. UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Armenia As just mentioned, the churches and cathedrals in and around Etchmiadzin are protected by UNESCO.Other important places that are UNESCO sites in Armenia are Geghard Monastery, the Upper Azat Valley, and the Monasteries of Haghpat and Sanahin. Armenian Duduk For more than 3000 years, this amazing instrument, with soul-touching sounds, has existed in Armenia, and when it’s being played, it feels like time stops. Duduk, or the original historical name Tsiranapogh, is an Armenian wooden instrument that looks very simple at first glance and in translation means “apricot-made clarinet”. The sound of the Armenian duduk is so magical that it was placed on the list of Masterpieces of the Intangible Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO.
Ararat Mountain A legendary and iconic mountain for all Armenians that is technically located in the modern territory of Turkey is the mountain ‘Ararat’, also known as the Holy Mountain. Ararat is a two-peak mountain made up of small Sis and big Masis mountains and has been represented in Armenian history since ancient times, known as a holy mountain and symbol, with an elevation of 5,137 meters. It is a Biblical mountain since it is mentioned in the Bible that Noah’s ark landed on Mount Ararat, and it is where life supposedly started after the flood. On a beautiful, clear day, it is possible to see Ararat from the capital Yerevan, and you can admire its beauty, might, and harmony.
Lavash (Bread) A unique flatbread that is in the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity is Lavash. Not a single ingredient has changed over the centuries in the preparation of ancient Lavash bread in Armenia… even the cooking method has remained the same! Armenian traditional lavash has very simplistic ingredients, but it is one of the tastiest breads in the world. It consists of flour, water, and salt. That’s it! Lavash is baked in the traditional tonir (tandoor), a clay hole in the ground. That is how the bread has been baked for centuries, and you can even see it baked in several places in Armenia today, this way (including some restaurants in Yerevan that have open kitchens like Sherep and Lavash). In Armenia, there is a special name for cheese and herbs wrapped in a lavash – ‘bruch‘. It’s one of the simplest, yet most delicious things in the world. Another interesting fact about lavash bread is that it’s possible to dry it and keep it for over 6 months, then wet it when ready to eat. Armenians have been doing this for centuries, and it has lasted without any problems.