What Is The Capital Of Armenia?
When it comes to geography, countries and capitals of the world, Armenia is one of the top countries in the world with a unique history and culture. Known for its ancient monasteries, medieval cities and traditional music, Armenia is an independent state located in the south Caucasus region of Eurasia. One of the questions that often comes up when talking about Armenia is: What is the capital of Armenia? The answer to this question is the city of Yerevan, one of the most important cities in the country and the official capital of Armenia. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the capital of Armenia, Yerevan, and all it has to offer.
Yerevan: A Brief Introduction
Yerevan is the official capital of Armenia and located in the western part of the country. It is the largest city in Armenia, with an estimated population of 1,076,000 people. The city is located around 1,150 feet (350 m) above sea level and is surrounded by the River Hrazdan on one side and the Tsaghkunyats mountain range on the other. Yerevan is known for its stunning architecture and vibrant culture, attracting tourists from all around the world.
Origin Of The Name “Yerevan”
The exact origins of the name “Yerevan” are uncertain, but it is believed to be derived from a combination of two words: “Erebuni,” the name of an Urartian fortress built in the area in 782 BC by the king Argishti I; and “van,” the name of a city from the same region. Thus, some believe the name Yerevan means “city of Erebuni.”
History Of Yerevan
Yerevan has a rich and long history that dates back to the early 8th century. The city was originally founded by the Urartian king Argishti I in 782 BC, as the fortress city of Erebuni. The city went through a period of decline after the fall of the Urartian kingdom, but it was eventually restored by the Armenians in the 9th century.
In the 16th century, Yerevan came under the rule of the Persian Safavid dynasty, before it was briefly annexed by the neighbouring Ottoman Empire. It later became the capital of the Erivan Khanate, part of the Iranian Azerbaijan region. During this period, the city experienced a significant period of growth and development.
Yerevan later became the capital of the First Republic of Armenia in 1918, when it gained independence from the Russian Empire. Despite the city’s strategic location, Armenia was not able to maintain its independence for very long and became part of the Soviet Union in 1920. Yerevan then remained the capital of Soviet Armenia until the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991, when the country regained its independence.
Notable Places In Yerevan
Today, Yerevan is one of the most beautiful cities in Armenia and is home to a wealth of interesting sights. Here are some of the most prominent attractions in the city:
• Cascade Complex: This complex is a giant staircase made of limestone, marble and travertine. It’s a popular tourist attraction and offers visitors stunning views of the city from its elevated platform.
• Statue Of Mother Armenia: This impressive 22-meter tall bronze statue was erected in 1967 and is located in a park of the same name, beside the Cascade Complex.
• Republic Square: This is the central square of Yerevan, located in the middle of the city. It’s a popular gathering place for locals and visitors alike, with its surrounding buildings and churches adding to the charm.
• The Cafesjian Center For The Arts: This is a modern art museum located in the Cascade Complex. It features works of art by internationally-renowned artists and is a must-visit attraction in the city.
• Matenadaran: This building, located on the banks of the Hrazdan river, houses thousands of ancient Armenian manuscripts, including works from the 12th century.
• The National History Museum: Located in Republic Square, this museum is the largest and most renowned of its kind in Armenia. It houses thousands of artefacts from the past and details the country’s history from the beginnings of civilization up to the 19th century.
Yerevan’s Cultures And Cuisine
Yerevan is a city of culture, and its streets are full of art, theatre and music. There are many music venues, art galleries and traditional Armenian restaurants located throughout the city.
The city’s unique cuisine consists of a variety of dishes. The most popular dishes include Khorovats (barbecue), Khashlama (boiled meat with vegetables), and Borscht (soup). Yerevan’s restaurants also offer a variety of foreign cuisines, so there’s something for every taste.
Yerevan Today
Yerevan is one of the most important cultural and economic centres in Armenia. The city is constantly developing and modernising, with new buildings, transport systems and infrastructure being continually built. In recent years, the city has become an important hub for the country’s tourism industry, with more and more people from all around the world visiting Yerevan each year.
Yerevan is the official capital of Armenia and a city with a rich and long history. From archaeological sites to modern art galleries and delicious Armenian cuisine, Yerevan has something for everyone. When researching the capital of Armenia, the answer is clear: Yerevan is the undeniable answer.
