Culture

Over the years Armenia has developed a modern, unique and successful culture. Many aspects of the culture are based on the geography, literature, dance and music of the people. The culture is similar and yet distinct from many of the bordering countries like Russia, Georgia, and Iran as well as Mediterranean nations such as Greece, and Italy. Armenian culture has strong influences from both its Eastern neighbours, as well as an underlying influence from Europe to the West.

Art

The National Art Gallery in Yerevan has more than 16,000 works that date back to the Middle Ages, along with many paintings by European masters. The Modern Art Museum, the Children's Picture Gallery, and the Martiros Saryan Museum are only a few of the other noteworthy collections of fine art on display in Yerevan. Moreover, many private galleries are in operation, with many more opening every year, featuring rotating exhibitions and sales.

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 BC, in the higher regions of Armenia there are rock paintings of scenes of country dancing. These dances were probably accompanied by certain kinds of songs or musical instruments.

Hospitality

Armenian hospitality is legendary and stems from ancient tradition. Social gatherings focused around sumptuous presentations of course after course of elaborately prepared, well-seasoned (but not spicy-hot) food. The hosts will often put morsels on a guest's plate whenever it is empty or fill their glass when it gets low. After a helping or two it is acceptable to refuse politely or, more simply, just leave a little uneaten food. Alcohol such as cognac, vodka and red wine are usually served during meals and gatherings. It is considered rare and unusual for one to go inside an Armenian household and not be offered coffee, pastry, food or water.

Lacemaking

Like Lacis, Armenian needlelace seems to be an obvious descendant of netmaking. Where lacis adds decorative stitches to a net ground, Armenian needlelace involves making the net itself decorative. There is some archaeological evidence suggesting the use of lace in prehistoric Armenia and the prevalence of pre-Christian symbology in traditional designs would certainly suggest a pre-Christian root for this art form. In contrast to Europe where lace was the preserve of the nobility, in Armenia it decorated everything from traditional headscarves to lingerie. Thus lacemaking was part of many women's lives.

Literature

Literature began in Armenia around 400 AD. The majority of the literary arts were created by Moses of Khorene, in the 5th century. Through the years the elements of literature have changed as the stories and myths were passed on through generations. During the 19th century, writer Mikael Nalbandian worked to create a new Armenian literary identity. Nalbandian's poem 'Song of the Italian Girl' may have been the inspiration for the Armenian national anthem, Mer Hayrenik.

Music

One of the most important parts of Armenian culture is the music, which has in recent years brought new forms of music, whilst still maintaining traditional styles. This is evidenced by the world-class Armenian Philharmonic Orchestra that performs at the beautifully refurbished Yerevan Opera House. In addition, several chamber ensembles are highly regarded for their musicianship, including the National Chamber Orchestra of Armenia and the Serenade Orchestra. Classical music can also be heard at one of several smaller venues, including the Yerevan Komitas State Conservatory and the Chamber Orchestra Hall. Jazz is popular, especially in the summer when live performances are a regular occurrence at one of the city's many outdoor cafés and parks.

Sports

Sports have always been popular in Armenia, during the ancient Olympics Armenian princes and nobles often were contestants. Some of the more popular modern sports are: football, tennis, basketball, wrestling, boxing and weight-lifting.