What are the best things about being Armenian?

1. Armenians are everywhere

Yes, we are. There are huge Armenian communities all over the globe; Asia, Europe, America and even Africa. That is why we can go to almost every country without worrying about anything, because if Armenians are there, you will soon find out that it’s your mother’s brother’s wife’s friend and they are happy to welcome you in their home with lavash in their hands.

2. Lavash

Armenian lavash is soft, flat and unleavened bread, which is usually made in tandoor. There are different varieties of lavash and each of them is going to be one of the most delicious things you ever tried. Also, Armenian lavash is included in the List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO.

Picture taken from arka.am

3. Weather and nature

Armenia is located among the Caucasian mountains, high above the sea level, that's why the weather can differ in various parts of the country. For example, in highlands both summer and winter are rather cold. Although, generally, the weather in Armenia is perfect - summer is hot and sunny, winter is cold and snowy.

Armenian summer will make you the fittest and the most tanned person in the world. The lowest temperature during Armenian summer would be +23 C and the highest around +40 C. Also, you would most probably have to climb the hill to get to your house, which would be situated somewhere up the hill. By the way, summer in Armenia lasts until the mid-September. Feel free to come.

Pictures taken from archaeologicalpaths.com

4. Armenian Duduk

Duduk is Armenian musical instrument, which is considered to be one of the oldest instruments in the world. The sound of the duduk would touch your heart and soul even if you are an evil Snow Queen. For centuries duduk has been there to raise Armenian spirit for better and worse. It's now used not only in Armenia, but also in Holywood movies and TV series. For example, you can hear duduk in Gladiator. One of the most famous duduk perfomers is Jivan Gasparyan, whose passion for duduk helped to gain the international recognition of the instrument.

Picture taken from armintour.com

Picture taken from artsbrookfield.com

5. History and strength of Armenian people

Armenia is one of the oldest countries in the world with rich, but difficult history. Noah’s Ark(yeah, THE Noah’s Ark) is said to be found in the Mountains of Ararat in Ancient Armenia. It was the first country in the world to adopt Christianity. It’s our faith, strong spirit and endless love for our nation and country that helped Armenians to get through one of the most brutal events the world had ever seen- Armenian Genocide. 1.5 million people, including children, died at the hands of the Ottoman Empire. Surviving such a horrible act of violence, not falling apart as a nation and not giving up on our country is what builds up Armenian pride. 

6. Everyone is Armenian

Pretty much. Here are some internationally known representatives of Armenian nation: Cher, Andre Agassi, Charles Aznavour and, the curse and the gift of Armenia, The Kardashians. You may like them, you may hate them, but they are out there, talking about their Armenian heritage and roots, eating Armenian food and raising awareness of Armenian history. Good job, Kim jan! (Jan- is Armenian for “dear”). Armenians also believe that every famous singer, actor or scientist is Armenian. Or half-Armenian…or a quarter Armenian… or has a friend, who is Armenian, which, obviously, makes them Armenian too. 

Picture taken from Pinterest.com

Overall, being Armenian or knowing someone, who is Armenian, is one of the greatest things that could ever happen to you. By the way, remember when Eva ate the apple?  Well, it wasn’t an apple; it was actually a pomegranate, an Armenian fruit. True story. Take it from an Armenian.