Throughout the centuries, Armenians have created an unique and remarkable culture at the intersection of east and west. Even though countless invaders attempted to destroy it, archaeological research testifies to its existence alongside that of the Babylonians and the Assyrians from at least the III Millennium BC, proven by excavations.
Culture in Armenia has many facets, the most important are:
Language and Literature
The Armenian language is a part of larg Indo-European family, and the Armenian alphabet was created at the beginning of the 5th Century by St. Mesrob Mashtots. Since then, the alphabet has become the solid foundation of national language and culture, with over 25,000 Armenian Illuminated Manuscripts are currently preserved in the "Matenadaran", the Institute of Ancient Manuscripts located in central Yerevan. Armenian Manuscripts are also held by libraries and museums in Jerusalem, Vienna, Venice, London and elsewhere.
Religion and Architecture
Architecture is one of the most interesting art forms in Armenia, as, for example, churches bear artistic illustrations in frescoes and miniatures. Sculpting is everywhere - in nearly every city, town, and village in Armenia.
Stone crosses (khachkars)
Stone crosses(khachkars) are one of the most remarkable examples of Armenian culture. Khachkars, are scattered throughout the territory of historical Armenia, and are unique in their specific ornamental style.
Painting
Art has always had its special place in Armenian culture, and many remarkable painters include the Hovnatanyan family, Nagash Hovnaton. Hakob and Mkrtum Hovnatanyan decorated the interior of Holy Etchmiadzin, and Hovhannes Ayvazovski is famous throughout the world for his seascapes. The colorful and unique depicts of Armenian nature and village life define the work of one of Armenia's greatest painters, Martiros Saryan. Arshile Gorky greatly influenced to the generation of young American artists in New York, while the paintings of Carzou and Jansem found their fame and fortune in France.
Armenia also has an old established tradition of carpet weaving, and its rugs are unique.
Carpet
Though women historically dominated carpet-weaving in Armenian communities, several prominent carpet-weavers in Karabakh are known to have been men, and in some cases whole families took up the art. The oldest extant Armenian carpet from the region, referred to as Artsakh during the medieval era, is from the village of Banants (near Gandzak) and dates to the early 13th century.[2]
Armenian carpets were also renowned by foreigners who traveled to Artsakh; the Arab geographer and historian Al-Masudi noted that, among other works of art, he had never seen such carpets elsewhere in his life.
Music
The music has a long history in Armenia. It consists of exquisite compositions which have been created for centuries. Sharakans are traditional Armenian liturgical songs, which are being experienced from revival till today. Sayat Nova, Komitas, and Aram Khachaturian are among Armenia's best-known musicians and composers. Komitas is perhaps the most famous Armenian composer, however, creating 'khazes' which are the Armenian form of musical notation. He also wrote many religious and national songs before eventually going mad from his experiences during
the 1915 Genocide of the Armenians living within the then Ottoman Empire.Armenian folk songs sung by the ashughs and gusans are still alive today in Armenia, and the Artist Djivan Gasparian has taken unique sounds from the Armenian duduk to foreign audiences worldwide, collaborating with internationally renowned musicians such as Peter Gabriel and Kronos Quartet.
Theatre
Theatre in Armenia started around the II-I millennium BC, and initially performed both Greek and Armenian dramas. Even King Artavazd II wrote plays, and Roman historians refer to stage Armenian plays.
Cinema
The most famous of all Armenian film directors is the internationally renowned Sergei Paradjanov, and his works, for example "The Color of Pomegranates", have won awards and are critically acclaimed worldwide. The museum dedicated to his life and work is Yerevan's most visited and an unique one among museums found throughout the world. More recently, the first feature film produced since independence was released this summer.
Dance
The Armenian dance heritage has been one of the oldest, richest and most varied in the Near East. From the fifth to the third millennia B.C., there are rock paintings of scenes of country dances in higher regions of Armenia. These dances were probably accompanied by certain kinds of songs or musical instruments.
Cuisine
Armenian cuisine is a combination of different tastes and aromas. Intimately related to eastern and Mediterranean culinary art, various spices, vegetables, fish, and fruits combine to present unique dishes. Armenia is also famous for its wine and brandy, in particular, Armenian cognac.
Armenia's culture has seen a lot of exchanges and changes through the centuries yet its core values depending upon the existence of large joint families. Armenian culture is hence a perfect amalgamation of the best achievements of the past with the high hopes of future.
Armenia is often referred to as an open air museum. Tourists find over 4,000 historical monuments throughout Armenia.Within Yerevan only there are more than 40 fine arts museums and galleries.
None of the above can be fully represented the ancient and unique culture of Armenia without visiting the country.
