Armenia is one of those countries where almost everything I know about it is from its yearly appearance on Eurovision. Although this knowledge is getting rusty as Armenia last qualified for the finals in 2017.
If you’re not so familiar with where Armenia is, it’s in Western Asia nuzzled in between Georgia, Azerbaijan, Iran and Turkey.
In the past year, Armenia has been in the news because of its conflict with Azerbaijan over the region of Nagorno-Karabakh. Both sides have now agreed to a ceasefire, but only after Armenia ceded territory. If you’re interested, Vox has a really good explainer on the war.
Armenia is an ex-Soviet Bloc country. It was annexed by the Red Army along with its neighbours Georgia and Azerbaijan in 1922 joining the Transcaucasian SFSR. During its time in the Soviet Union is when Armenia carved out a niche for itself as the worlds foremost chess-playing nation.
Although Armenians have been playing chess since the early Middle Ages, Armenian chess really rose to prominence in the 1960s with Tigran Petrosian becoming the world chess champion. Chess has continued to be huge in Armenia to the point that it is now a compulsory subject in Armenian schools.
The view across Yerevan (Armenia’s capital) courtesy of Artak Petrosyan
Armenia lays claim to a lot of the oldest things in the world and is among the 6 ancient countries that have survived for thousands of years. Whether that’s the first country to adopt Christianity or build the first cathedral. Armenia is also home to the world’s oldest shoes.
Armenian cuisine looks incredible and predictably Armenia lays claim to some historical records.
Armenian lavash is considered one of the oldest bread recipes and has been deemed culturally significant enough to be included in the UNESCO list of “Intangible Cultural Heritage”. Personally, I’m lobbying for British mince pies to be included. Armenia is also considered the original home of the apricot tree.
I can personally vouch for the deliciousness of Armenia’s national dish manti. Back in the UK, my friend Alex regularly makes manti. Manti are delicious grilled open dumplings with minced lamb served with yoghurt and dried chilli. Manti alone are almost reason enough to visit Armenia.
Making mante with Alex
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