The Armenians Ethnic Group

Fact File
Name: Armenians Language: Armenian is a sub-branch of the Indo-European family, with a approx. 8 million speakers around the world Location: Lebanon, Syria and Turkey(Middle East only) Religion: Christianity(different branches) Prounciation: Ar-me-ni-ans

History
Armenia prides itself on being the first nation to formally adopt Christianity (early 4th century). Despite periods of autonomy, over the centuries Armenia came under the sway of various empires including the Roman, Byzantine, Arab, Persian, and Ottoman. During World War I in the western portion of Armenia, Ottoman Turkey instituted a policy of forced resettlement coupled with other harsh practices that resulted in an estimated 1 million Armenian deaths. The eastern area of Armenia was ceded by the Ottomans to Russia in 1828; this portion declared its independence in 1918, but was conquered by the Soviet Red Army in 1920.

Food

Harissa is porridge made out of wheat and shredded chicken pieces

Baklava is made out of pastry and stuffed with pistachios

Music and Dance

Instruments like the duduk, the dhol, the zurna and the kanun are commonly found in Armenian folk music

Dhol

Kanun Duduk

Zurna

It is very much like a circle dance. All dancers wear the traditional costume and each design of these costumes are influenced by many factors, such as religious traditions, family methods, and practicality. The traditional deep red color and exquisite beading of the costumes brings the dance and the tradition together.

Traditional Clothes - Women

Women usually wear dresses made out of Silk The dresses were usually made out of creamy white silk, embroidered with gold silk

Traditional Clothes - Men

Men usually wear silk or cotton colored shirts with low collars and side fasteners and wide trousers from dark wool or cotton. Over the shirt, they put on cotton or silk arkhaluk outerwear with low collar fastened waist down with hooks or small buttons. A heavier item was called chukha; it was made of wool and worn with a narrow big buckled belt.