Who Are Armenians?
Armenians are an ancient people whose roots reach back nearly 3,000 years in the South Caucasus region — the land between the Black Sea and the Caspian Sea, where Europe meets Asia.
The Armenian nation formed after the fall of the ancient kingdom of Urartu (9th–6th centuries BC), a powerful state centered around Lake Van (in present-day eastern Turkey). Following Urartu’s decline, the Armenian people emerged as a distinct ethnic group, inheriting much of its culture and territory.
Armenians were the first people in the world to adopt Christianity as a state religion in 301 AD, establishing one of the oldest Christian churches — the Armenian Apostolic Church — which remains central to Armenian identity today.
Throughout history, Armenians have preserved their unique language — Armenian — which has its own alphabet created in 405 AD by Mesrop Mashtots, an important figure who helped unite the nation through literacy and faith.
Despite facing invasions, exile, and the tragedy of the Armenian Genocide in 1915, Armenians have maintained a strong cultural identity and a global diaspora of around 10 million people, with vibrant communities worldwide, including here in Portugal.
One particularly important Armenian figure connected to Portugal is Calouste Gulbenkian(1869–1955). Born into a wealthy Armenian family, Gulbenkian became a pioneering oil magnate and philanthropist who significantly influenced the development of the global oil industry. He settled in Lisbon, where his generous cultural and charitable contributions continue to benefit Portugal to this day. The Gulbenkian Foundation remains one of Portugal’s leading cultural institutions.
Other notable Armenians include:
• Aram Khachaturian, a famous composer known for the "Sabre Dance"
• Charles Aznavour, a legendary French-Armenian singer and songwriter
• Sergei Parajanov, a celebrated film director
Armenians continue to contribute to arts, sciences, business, and culture both in their homeland and around the world.
