Description
Armenia, the first Christian state of human history, is hidden high in the Caucasus mountains between Iran, Turkey, and two post-Soviet states. Home to several UNESCO-recognized cultural traditions, Armenia carries its millennia-old culture into modernity.
Hidden high in the Caucasus mountains, Armenia is one of the oldest surviving nations in the world. The first nation to adopt Christianity as its state religion, Armenia is home to its own Christian tradition and a unique church architecture inspired by the surrounding mountainous landscape. Its mystical musical tradition is recognized by UNESCO as an intangible cultural heritage. Armenia’s mountain slopes, crossroads, and churchyards are studded with ornate ancient cross-stones (khachkars) - another UNESCO treasure with a fascinating history.
In the 1st century BC, Armenia was the most powerful kingdom east of the Roman Republic and left its mark in world history and ancient chronicles. Noah’s Ark is said to have found its rest near the summit of Armenia’s sacred Ararat mountain. Throughout the centuries, Armenia developed its culture in dialog with the great civilizations of the Middle East, Europe, and Asia.
Led by an expert on the Caucasus, Nina Wieda, this interactive seminar will introduce its participants to the fascinating cultural heritage of Armenia. Much smaller in size today, Armenia retains its ancient culture in the area nestled between Iran, Turkey, and the post-Soviet states of Azerbaijan and Georgia. Hidden away among some of the highest mountain peaks in Europe, Armenia remains one of the few surviving ancient cultures.
This conversation is part of a four-part series on Eurasian Culture with Nina Wieda. Each session is designed as a stand-alone seminar as well as part of a four-week series.
About Your Expert
Nina Wieda is a native of the Caucasus living in Chicago, USA. She holds a Ph.D. in Slavic from Northwestern University and an MA in Nationalism Studies from Central European University. Nina also has experience in journalism, advertising, and consumer research – her writing has been published in three languages. She wrote her Master's thesis about the Northern Caucasus region. Dr. Wieda currently teaches at Northwestern University near Chicago.
Audience
This conversation is suitable for all ages.
Duration
90 minutes, including a 30 minute Q&A.