The Armenian Spirit
A Journey Through Culture & History
Presented by Celebrating Our Roots
Where is Armenia?
Armenia is a country in a place called the South Caucasus, which is between Europe and Asia. It’s a small country, and it doesn't have any ocean or sea next to it,so it's landlocked.
Armenia is surrounded by four countries: Georgia, Iran, Azerbaijan,and Turkey. The capital city of Armenia is called Yerevan.
Inside this booklet, you will find images that need your help to bring them to life! Use your favorite colors to express how you feel and make each picture uniquely yours!
Let’s Get Creative – Color the map or Armenia However You Like!
How old is Armenia?
Armenia is over 3,000 years old! It is one of the oldest countries in the world. The first people in the area lived there around 1,000 years before Jesus was born, and the country became the first in the world to officially accept Christianity as its religion in the year 301.
So, you can think of Armenia as being very, very oldlike a super ancient treasure!
Bronze Age astronomical observatory Zorats Karer (also known as Karahunj). The period between c. 4000 and 2200 BC
A 5500-year-old leather shoe—the oldest shoe in the world—was discovered in the Areni cave in Armenia
Why do Armenians live all over the world?
Armenians live all over the world because, many years ago, something very sad happened: The Armenian Genocide.
The Armenian Genocide was carried out by the Ottoman Empire, which was a large country that existed a long time ago, in what is now Turkey. In 1915, the leaders of the Ottoman Empire decided to hurt and kill many Armenians who lived there. They forced them to leave their homes and made them walk long distances without food or water, which caused many to die. Majority of historians estimate that 1.5 million Armenians died during this time.
Today, many people remember the Armenian Genocide so that such things don't happen again. Armenians left their homes and countries. They went to different places to be safe and start new lives. Some moved to countries like the United States, Russia, France, and many others.
So, Armenians are spread out across the world because they had to leave their homeland to be safe, but they still stay connected to each other and their history no matter where they live.
Color Me Your Way!
Color as you like!
A Few Fun Facts about Armenians
Here are some fun and interesting facts about Armenians that you might enjoy:
Armenia was the first country in the world to officially adopt Christianity as its state religion in 301 AD. That’s over 1,700 years ago!
Armenian Genocide Memorial in Armenia
Armenians Have Their Own Alphabet
The Armenian alphabet was invented in 405 AD by an Armenian monk named Mesrop Mashtots. It has 38 letters, and it helps people write and read in their own language!
Make Me Colorful
Armenians Love Apricots, Grapes and Pomegranates Make Me Colorful – There Are No Rules!
Armenian Dance is Famous Armenians love to dance! They have special dances, often done in circles, where everyone holds hands. It’s a fun way to celebrate special events and traditions.
The World’s Oldest Winery
The oldest winery in the world is the Areni cave in Armenia, which is around 6000 years old! That means Armenians have been making wine for a really, really long time.
Armenians are Great at Chess
Armenians are known for being really good at chess. Children learn Chess at school just like other subjects, math and science. Armenia has produced many world-famous chess players.
Make Me Colorful –There Are No Rules!
Armenian Flatbread - Lavash
In Armenia, lavash is more than just food—it’s also part of the country’s culture. In 2014, UNESCO added lavash to its list of intangible cultural heritage, which means it’s an important part of Armenian traditions.
How Armenians changed the world?
There is a long list of notable inventions and discoveries made by ethnic Armenians, which changed the world and made life either better or more enjoyable for people.
Here just a few of them:
Pioneer of Color Television invented by Hovannes Adamian, 1928
Self Focusing Camera in 1932 and Automated Teller Machine (ATM) in 1939 invented by an Armenian-American inventor Luther George Simjian
Pick Your Favorite Colors and Have Fun!
Delta Faucet invented by Alex Manoogian, 1952
Coffee Vending Machine invented by Cyrus Melik, 1947
Ice Cream Cone Rolling Machine invented by Harry Tatosian, 1936
Hand-Held Hair Dryer invented by Gabriel Kazanjian, 1911
Yes! They are Armenians: William Saroyan, novelist, playwright, and short story writer. His most famous works are “The Time of Your Life and “My Heart's in the Highlands”
Cher (Cheryl Sarkisian), singer, actress and television personality. Charles Aznavour, singer and songwriter
Victor Hambardzumyan, astronomer and astrophysicist Ivan Aivazovsky, one of the greatest sea painters
Sergei Parajanov, Film Director
Tigran Petrosian, World Chess Champio
Serj Tankian, Rock Musician and Songwriter and founder of metal band System of A Down and Axis of Justice NGO
Andre Agassi, one of the greatest tennis players of all time
Ardem Patapoutian, Nobel Prize winner in Physiology or Medicine in 2021
A Few Armenian Words:
Let’s start with easy ones: Hello: Barev
Sun: Arev
Dog: Shoon
Good: Lav
Water: Joor
And now let’s try some harder ones: Thank you: Shenorhagalootun
Good bye: Tstesutyun
Good night: Bari Gisher
TV: Herustatsuyts
Toy: Khaghalik
Every culture and its history hold a UNIQUE and VALUABLE STORY , shaping the world we live in today. By learning about different traditions, languages, and histories , we build respect and appreciation for one another.
This booklet celebrates Armenian culture —its rich heritage, vibrant traditions, and deep history — reminding us that every culture is worth recognizing and preserving for future generations.
A special thank you to Lincoln Elementary School for the opportunity to share this booklet with its students. Your support in celebrating cultural diversity helps create a more inclusive and understanding community.
