Armenia

Armenia prides itself on being the first nation to formally adopt Christianity (early 4th century). Despite periods of autonomy, over the centuries Armenia came under the sway of various empires including the Roman, Byzantine, Arab, Persian, and Ottoman. During World War I in the western portion of Armenia, the Ottoman Empire instituted a policy of forced resettlement coupled with other harsh practices that resulted in at least 1 million Armenian deaths. The eastern area of Armenia was ceded by the Ottomans to Russia in 1828; this portion declared its independence in 1918, but was conquered by the Soviet Red Army in 1920.

Armenian leaders remain preoccupied by the long conflict with Azerbaijan over Nagorno-Karabakh, a primarily Armenian-populated region, assigned to Soviet Azerbaijan in the 1920s by Moscow. Armenia and Azerbaijan began fighting over the area in 1988; the struggle escalated after both countries attained independence from the Soviet Union in 1991. By May 1994, when a cease-fire took hold, ethnic Armenian forces held not only Nagorno-Karabakh but also seven surrounding regions, approximately 14 percent of Azerbaijan’s territory. The economies of both sides have been hurt by their inability to make substantial progress toward a peaceful resolution.

Turkey closed the common border with Armenia in 1993 in support of Azerbaijan in its conflict with Armenia over control of Nagorno-Karabakh and surrounding areas, further hampering Armenian economic growth. In 2009, senior Armenian leaders began pursuing rapprochement with Turkey, aiming to secure an opening of the border, but Turkey has not yet ratified the Protocols normalizing relations between the two countries. In January 2015, Armenia joined Russia, Belarus, and Kazakhstan as a member of the Eurasian Economic Union.

At our website you have an opportunity to find more details on destinations of Armenia:

• Lake Sevan is deservedly regarded as the natural wonder of Armenia. The high-altitude lake possesses a rich history and fresh water sources. Adjoining to the sky, Sevan provides all the visitors once-in-a-lifetime chance to have a picture taken in front of the monastery, the lake and snowy mountain in a row. Just one thing to add, Lake Sevan is the largest lake in the Caucasus region.
• Echmiadzin (or Vagharshapat) is the heart of the Armenian religious life. Being on the World Heritage List, the city will strike its visitors by undreamt-of beauty. How can it be otherwise if the main cathedral is situated on the site pointed by Christ?
• Zvartnots Cathedral remained buried for a long time. However, today you can enjoy its splendor and ancient spirit with your own eyes.
• Dilijan – a spa town in the North-East of Armenia. The location is renowned for its mineral water-rich resources and masterpieces of architecture. Moreover, Dilijan is one of the most popular resorts in Armenia undergoing high-speed urbanization.
• Erevan – both the capital and the cultural soul of Armenia. If you want to clear your mind while immersing in the handsomeness of Ararat, it’s the best possible solution. Tours in Erevan (Armenia) allow you to feast eyes on the unique mixture of the modern pace of life and antiquity of the old world.