Greetings! We recently returned from a trip to Armenia (country #80). Below, you will find information and photos from our trip.
The border to Armenia is less than an hour from Tbilisi, and Azerbaijan is a similar distance away, but the land border to Azerbaijan was closed when we visited due to the pandemic. In the southern part of Georgia, Armenians and Azerbaijanis live together and get along, which is not usually the case in other areas where they may co-exist. Georgians, Azerbaijanis, and Armenians are very different from each other with regard to mentality, food, culture, and traditions. Georgians are independent, while Armenians and Azerbaijanis are most concerned about comfort, and can be okay living with someone else if they are living well. Azerbaijanis are Muslim, while Georgians are Orthodox, and many Armenians part of a religion that is similar to Protestantism. Armenia was the first Christian country in the world (around 301). Georgia became Christian in 326.
The population of Armenia is approximately three million, and six million Armenians live in other countries, primarily the United States, Australia, Russia, and Georgia. As a result of the genocide of 1915, a lot of Armenians moved abroad, but they were always considered to be nationalists, and have always said positive things to promote Armenia. There are not many Russians who live in Armenia now, but they have historically liked to live in Armenia because of nature, wine, and food. Armenia attained independence from Russia in 1918, and a Trans-Caucasus Union was established with Armenia, Georgia, and Azerbaijan to protect them from Russia. Russia had given the territory of Armenia to Georgia, and had given the other part of the land to Azerbaijan.
Interesting Fact: The Rolling Stones are from Armenia.
Akhtala has been around since the 10th century for protection. It was protected by the cliff and tower, and has catacombs under ground. This area was Georgia until 1921.
Interesting Fact: Hayastan is what Armenians call Armenia. Rastan is what they call Georgia.
This monastery stems from the 10th century (966), and the story around it involves the last king of Armenia and his wife, who was most important to him, and was in charge of many aspects of the monarchy, while also being a good supporter of the king. The king and his son began building this church, and then had a falling out, and the son moved away and built a church in the nearby town. After ten years, the king went to visit his son’s church and was impressed by it and called it the local name for “proper,” which resulted in the people starting to go to that church. As a result, they called the original church Sanahin, which means “but it is older.”
In Georgia, they bury people inside of the church, and it is not okay to walk on the graves. In Armenia, they bury people outside of the church, and it is okay to walk on the graves (if you are so inclined…)
We subsequently went to see the son’s church, called Haghpat, within which are frescos from 1770 Georgia, and a cross stone, which always stands separately an on a platform. The cross means life, and the three dots in the corner represent the Holy Trinity.
Armenian Food
Armenian food is a mix of Lebanese, Persian, and Turkish
Tabouleh 
Beans and eggs 
Basuma (black meat; Turkish), Salami (Italian), and Blood Sausage (Armenia) 
Dhoma (cabbage rolls with meat and rice inside) 
Chicken, beef, and pork 
Fish
As is typical, we learned a lot and ate well on this short visit to Armenia. It’s an area that is not often explored, and was worth a day-long visit. Until next time, take care and be well…