Armenian Culture and Art
- heliya erfani
- 8 months ago
As you know, Armenian culture and art are not hidden from anyone. The ancient history of the land of Armenia, is intertwined with the ancient history of Iran in some parts. Its status as both a land and a homeland for its people and our ancestors, is a history full of highs and lows. Depending on the extent of this presence, traces of an ancient past can be found in all fields.
Armenia has a fascinating and beautiful cultural civilization, each aspect of which demands a broader exploration. Nevertheless, in this article from Sepehran blog, we will focus on the cultural and non-material aspects of the face of culture and art in Armenia.
Armenia’s geographical location on the border between Asia and Europe, between the Black Sea and the Caspian Sea, has placed this country on the path of two different cultures and civilizations from ancient times. The significance of this strategic position is evident in all cultural aspects of this country and has become even more pronounced, especially since the collapse of the Soviet Union and Armenia’s political independence.
To explore Armenia’s cultural and artistic index, it is necessary to briefly introduce the official language of this country at the beginning to provide the groundwork for further investigations.
Until the mid-nineteenth century, the Armenian language was classified among the Iranian languages. Until Heinrich Hübschmann, in 1877, published an article that rejected this theory and categorized the Armenian language as part of the Indo-European languages.
This theory has remained valid to this day. However, the linguistic connections between this language and Persian, as well as its sub-branches, are so significant that one cannot deny its sphere of influence. The most substantial linguistic influence and borrowing occurred during the Arsacid period.
Where Armenian absorbed a set of Parthian or Sassanian words, some of which are now obsolete even in contemporary Persian, providing an opportunity for the revival of the Parthian language. The Armenian language has 64 different dialects, and its users are scattered across various regions in Armenia, Turkey, Iran, and neighboring countries. With this brief overview, we now turn our attention to the cultural and artistic aspects of Armenia and strive to provide a useful introduction to them.
Like any ancient land, Armenia possesses a culture rooted in its ethnic heritage. The common culture within Armenia is incredibly rich. So, with myths and legends playing a prominent role in the national, ethnic, and religious beliefs of the Armenian people.
The coexistence of indigenous peoples in this land with its mountains and nature has also shaped their Ritual system.So, nature is regarded with profound sanctity by the inhabitants of this land.
“Mihr” is one of the types of myths that has close associations with “Mitra,” the Iranian goddess.
Therefore holds a significant place in Armenia’s mythological system. The worship and veneration of Mihr have been customary since the 3rd century BC.
Another deity figure in Armenian mythology is “Hom,” associated with the elixir of youth and immortality. Then, making it highly respected and sacred among the Armenian people.
Another prominent figure in Armenian myths is “Hayk,” whose mythological history refers to him as “Nahapet.” He is known for his defiance against the Babylonian king and ultimately founding the land of Armenia.
“Sasuntsi Davit” is another character celebrated as a national hero who stood against the Arab invasions and oppression, earning great respect.
The epic of “Sasuntsi Davit” is one of the most important literary and mythological sources in Armenia, dedicated to commemorating this national hero’s greatness.
To the extent that it has been registered as cultural and spiritual heritage by UNESCO.
The non-material aspects of the mythological culture of Armenia provide broader dimensions of our references. So we will briefly focus on the material manifestations of this culture.
Clothing is one of the most significant cultural expressions, and Armenia is rich in this regard.
In Armenian clothing, color plays a vital role and serves as a repository of important historical and cultural data from various ethnic groups that have lived in this land throughout history. Alongside color, the style of tailoring and the type of fabric are also prominent features that can be used to identify the affiliations of different ethnic groups.
The sewing techniques and embroidery, in Armenian clothing have been heavily influenced by the clothing of ancient Iran and the Kurdish, Turkish, and Tatar ethnic groups in this region.
Another cultural manifestation in Armenia is dance. Which has a history dating back approximately 5,000 years before the Common Era.
So, it represents a significant part of the culture in this land and is closely linked to traditional clothing, rich and epic poetry, folk. Finally indigenous music, playing a substantial role in this context.
Armenian music, like dance, has its roots in millennia before the Common Era. The role of instruments and musical artifacts discovered around Lake Sevan points to this ancient history.
Music in this land has always been an expression of a religious and national identity. Therefore, it has consistently been highly regarded and respected as a valuable heritage by the people throughout different eras of history.
Armenian artists have been pioneers in sculpture and painting, with a history of thousands of years of inclination towards these arts among the people of this land. If we also consider the art of stone carving (khachkar), its roots and history become even older.
Armenian painting, in many forms, is often religious and church-oriented, serving the promotion of Christianity. As a result, valuable examples of this beautiful art can be found in Armenian churches, as well as around the world. Notably, the paintings in the Vank Cathedral in Isfahan can be considered a beautiful and valuable example in this regard.
Other artistic expressions in this land are dedicated to areas such as handicrafts, carpet and rug weaving, literature, instrument-making, fabric weaving, and more, each of which deserves its own detailed exploration.
Armenian music, like dance, has its roots in millennia before the Common Era. The role of instruments and musical artifacts discovered around Lake Sevan points to this ancient history.
Music in this land has always been an expression of a Ritual and national identity. Therefore, it has consistently been highly regarded and respected as a valuable heritage by the people throughout different eras of history.
Armenian artists have been pioneers in sculpture and painting, with a history of thousands of years of inclination towards these arts among the people of this land. If we also consider the art of stone carving (khachkar), its roots and history become even older.
Armenian painting, in many forms, is often religious and church-oriented, serving the promotion of Christianity. As a result, valuable examples of this beautiful art can be found in Armenian churches, as well as around the world. Notably, the paintings in the Vank Cathedral in Isfahan can be considered a beautiful and valuable example in this regard.
Other artistic expressions in this land are dedicated to areas such as handicrafts, carpet and rug weaving, literature, instrument-making, fabric weaving, and more, each of which deserves its own detailed exploration.
