Synonym of hospitality
As everybody knows, Armenians are one of the oldest nations in the world. Scientists have even proved that Armenia is the cradle of civilization. During its long history, the nation has created a rich culture, valuable habits and traditions; all preserved by both local Armenians and the ones living in the Diaspora. All in all, there are more than 10 million Armenian living around the world. The largest communities are in the USA, Russia, France, Iran, Canada, Australia, Greece, Cyprus, the Ukraine. Once a famous Armenian-American writer William Saroyan said ”For when two Armenians meet anywhere in the world, see if they will not create a New Armenia.”
According to a biblical story of Noah’s Ark, Armenians descended from Japheth, son of Noah. As the legend states after the Ark landed on the holy Mount Ararat (the symbol of Armenia), Noah’s family first settled in the Armenian highland and then moved to Babylon. Besides, the 5th century scholar, historian Movses Khorenatsi the founding father of Armenia Haik killed the Babylonian tyran Bel with a lucky arrow and took his people back to the land of Ararat (2490 BCE). Today we call ourselves Hai or Hay and our country Haik or Hayastan in honour of Haik. There are also a number of foreign sources like inscriptions of Pharaoh Thutmose III of Egypt referring to the people of ”Ermenen” in 1446 BCE.
Nowadays the vast majority of the population is made up of Armenians. The population is under 3 million, 98% out of it are ethnic Armenians who are famous for their hospitable, kind and hardworking nature. Even you happen to het lost somewhere in Armenia, believe that you will find a good shelter and new friends at each door. Being spread all around the world, Armenians have had their huge impact on the world culture, economy, history and beyond. Such famous people as Charles Aznavour, Cher, Serj Tankian, Andre Agassi, Ivan Aivazovsky, Aram Khachaturian, William Saroyan, Kirk Kerkorian and hundreds of others have always made us feel proud to be Armenian.
