Armenia is a landlocked country located in the South Caucasus region of Eurasia. It has a population of approximately 3 million people and covers an area of 29,743 square kilometers. Armenia is bordered by Turkey to the west, Georgia to the north, Azerbaijan to the east, and Iran to the south. The history of Armenia dates back to 4000 BC and has been marked by numerous conflicts and invasions. In the early 20th century, Armenia was part of the Russian Empire, which was dissolved following the Russian Revolution. In 1918, Armenia declared independence, but it was short-lived as the country was occupied by the Soviet Union in 1920. Armenia regained independence in 1991 following the collapse of the Soviet Union. Today, Armenia is a rapidly developing country with a diverse economy and a rich cultural heritage.

Food is a portal to Armenia's past and present-day culture. This culinary journey across the land called Hayastan presents the rich history, wondrous legends, and fact-filled stories of Armenian cuisine. Authors Irina Petrosian and David Underwood take readers on a memorable tour of Armenia by way of the kitchen. What ancient Armenian fable warned against genetically-altered food? What little-known Armenian fruit may have helped Noah on the ark? What was the diet of David of Sassoun, the legendary Armenian Hercules? What was the influence of the Soviet Union on the food ways of Armenia? What strange and exotic fruits and herbs are sold in Armenia's markets? Why do Armenians go to cemeteries to 'feed' the dead? What role did coffee play in Armenian marriage rituals? If you are curious about one of the world's most ancient cultures, or are contemplating a trip to Armenia, don't miss the chance to read this fascinating book.

“A colorful culinary journey . . . This book explores what Armenian cuisine looks like today in a very authentic and beautiful way.” —Marcus Samuelsson, award-winning chef and restaurateur This cookbook not only reveals how to make the ubiquitous and doable flatbread lavash, the UNESCO-recognized bread of Armenia, but also shares more than sixty recipes of what to eat with it, from soups and salads to hearty stews paired with lots of fresh herbs. Stunning photography and essays provide an insider’s look at Armenia, a small but fascinating country comprising dramatic mountains, sun-drenched fields, and welcoming people. With influences from the Middle East and the Mediterranean as well as from Russia, the food of Armenia is the next cuisine to explore for people who want to dig deeper into the traditions formed at the crossroads between the East and West. “An incredibly complete book of foods from Armenia, part cookbook, part coffee-table photo journal, and part history book. The culinary culture of Armenia is ancient, profound, and a doorway to understanding the people and culture of that country—and this book and John Lee’s incredible photos truly do justice to this culinary tradition.” —Serj Tankian, poet, visual artist, activist, composer, and lead vocalist for System of a Down “At last, Armenian food gets its due! Lavash takes us on a captivating journey through Armenia, sharing stories of this ancient land’s history and people, along with the secrets of its remarkable cuisine. The flatbread recipes alone are worth the price of the book, but there’s so much more revealed here—piquant salads, whole-grain porridges, and soothing soups and stews.” —Darra Goldstein, founding editor of Gastronomica: The Journal of Food and Culture

Armenia is a unique country that draws influences from Eastern Europe and Asia. This book provides a careful study of the country, in particular, its history, traditions, people, government, language, and geography, and seeks to educate young readers on its place in the global community.

"The book introduces the final achievements accumulated in the study of the origins and development of viticulture and winemaking in Armenia, with the intention to ensure improved knowledge and increased awareness among the readers. It will be interesting for all readers who realize that wine is not just a drink, which is industrially made independently of its ties to the land, the history, the traditions, the social context ; it is for those who understand that wine cannot be viewed independently of the grape varieties, history and traditions and culture of places where amazing diversity of native grapes give birth to unique wines "--

This new, thoroughly updated sixth edition of Bradt’s Armenia remains the only standalone, English-language guide to this mountainous post-Soviet republic at the crossroads of Europe, Asia and the Middle East. Packed with detailed background information and invaluable practical advice, Bradt’s Armenia remains the essential choice for anyone travelling to this beautiful country, which is now easily and cheaply accessed by air. Following recent political changes, the story of this new republic is rapidly being rewritten, with transformations extending far beyond the vibrant capital of Yerevan. Road infrastructure has greatly improved, while rural tourism is coming to life in even far-flung provinces, thereby catering for visitors exploring well off the beaten path. New elements in this edition include: expanded treatment of new budget accommodation in Yerevan and provincial capitals; enhanced information on Yerevan designed to inspire the city-break visitor, encompassing arts, culture and nightlife; a wealth of new information for adventurous travellers, including about more than 300km of new hiking trails established since 2018; and an enhanced language section designed to facilitate communication with Armenians. Bradt’s Armenia provides the information needed for a successful trip, covering all the most popular sights as well as those off-the-beaten track, including Dilijan National Park and the stunning forested mountains of Tavush, a region undergoing a renaissance as a place to reconnect with nature; Areni village, one of the birthplaces of wine; and Vayots Dzor, the ‘valley of woes’, whose side valleys are abundant with wildlife-spotting opportunities. Tatev village and the Vorotan Canyon are included, as are the Orbelian’s Ccaravanserai and other remnants of the ancient Silk Road trading route network that once criss-crossed the Caucasus region. Rich in both history and spectacular scenery, Armenia is a truly captivating country. Whether seeking out ancient monasteries dotted within dramatic landscapes, wandering through one of Yerevan’s impressive museums or admiring the intricate stone carvings at Noratus, you’ll find opportunities to delve into this nation’s past at every turn. Add to this the welcoming local people, superb hiking possibilities and abundant bird life, and you’ll soon discover why Armenia is worth more than just a fleeting visit.