Armenia: The home of Mount Ararat, a country supported by faith
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Genesis 8:4-5 says, "On the seventeenth day of the seventh month, the ark came to rest on Mount Ararat. The waters began to recede until the tops of the mountains were visible on the first day of the tenth month." Mount Ararat is the last resting place of Noah's Ark in the Old Testament. However, for Armenians, Mount Ararat is not only the place where Noah's Ark rested, but also the birthplace of their race.
Before 30 BC, the Ararat region belonged to the Greater Armenian Kingdom. In 301 AD, the Kingdom of Armenia became the first country in the world to establish Christianity as its state religion. During that period, it also occupied the Ararat region alone for 400 years. To this day, Armenians still believe that they are descendants of Noah, and that the first city Noah built after leaving the Ark was their capital, Yerevyn.
But sadly, Mount Ararat is not within the borders of Armenia today.
Since ancient times, Armenia has been a battleground for the surrounding powerful countries. She was once prosperous and her territory was once very large. "It's just that after being invaded many times, it has shrunk to its current state," I still remember the winery tour guide saying as he pointed to a map with the old territory of Armenia printed on it.
As far as the Ararat region is concerned, the most recent cession occurred in 1923, when the Soviet Union and Türkiye signed the Treaty of Kars. Since then, the area where this holy mountain is located has been part of Türkiye. As we all know, Armenia and Turkey have been at odds for many years and their border has been closed for many years. Therefore, if Armenians want to miss the holy mountain that is like their hometown, they can only stand within their own borders, across this desolate plain, and look at the lost land on the other side of the border.
It’s just that Armenia has always had a strong obsession with this ancient land. More than half a century after Mount Ararat was annexed by Türkiye, the Soviet Union collapsed. The national emblem chosen by Armenia after its independence still included the symbol of Noah's Ark resting on the top of Mount Ararat. Even the customs stamp for entry into Armenia now has the line marking Mount Ararat.
So close yet so far, maybe that's what it means.
Like many small countries with tragic destinies, Armenia once had glory and splendor, but has been scarred along the way. Although Armenia is still a sovereign state, it is surrounded by enemies on all sides. To the east of its territory is Azerbaijan, an enemy that has been defeated by many countries. It has not yet escaped the fate of becoming a victim of the game between major powers.
Despite this, Armenians are one of the kindest people I have ever met. I don’t know whether this kindness is the reason why their lives have always been difficult, or whether I should understand this kindness as the reason why this country still exists in the world after going through so many hardships.
All I know is that the Armenian people’s perseverance in choosing good is what moved me the most and what I want to remember the most about this country.
Having written this, I actually don’t know what else to write. Perhaps just like my home, there is an emotion that is difficult to describe and difficult to express in words. At present, I can only conclude like this - I just hope that no matter where we go, no matter where we are, after going through all the hardships, "faith" can still support the scattered people, whether it is them or us, to continue moving forward.