Armenia Research Paper

Armenia is a small nation made up of almost 3 million people. Armenia is full of diversity and has survived many challenges throughout the centuries. Armenian’s are strongly influenced by their culture and experiences. The Armenian culture is rich in traditions and beliefs that identity with Armenia not just as culture, but that of the Armenian people.
Geography and Climate
Armenia lies between a mountainous plateau, that rises 3,000 to 7,000 feet above sea level and is landlocked between the Black Sea and Caspian Sea (Bournoutian, 2004). Armenia expands to the “Anatolian plateau in the west, the Iranian plateau in the southwest, the South Caucasus plains in the north, the Karadagh Mountains in the south and the Moghan Steppe in the southeast” (Bournoutian, 2004). Armenia is bordered by Turkey, Georgia, Azerbaijan, Azerbaijan-Naxcivan and Iran. Armenia has a variety of climates. The winters are long and harsh. The summers are hot and dry. The soil is volcanic and abundant if provided with sufficient irrigation.
Traditional Music
Traditional Armenian music is made up of folk melodies performed at social gatherings, celebrations, and religious ceremonies. Instruments such as the tar, a short necked lute, karmancha, an upright fiddle and davul, a double headed hand drum symbolize the Armenian style of folk music (Broughton,
Armenia adopted the religion of Christianity in 301 AD and was the first nation to declare Christianity as a state religion (Karakashian, 1998). The majority of Armenians belong to the Armenian Apostolic Church which is part of the Eastern Orthodox Doctrine (Karakashian, 1998). Armenians also belong to Catholic, Evangelical and Protestant denominations. The Armenian Church plays a significant role in maintaining the cultural identity of the Armenian people. The Armenian Church represents the national and cultural identity, is a place for community gathering and an educational