Is Armenia Considered a Mediterranean Country: A Comprehensive Analysis

When it comes to the question of whether Armenia is considered a Mediterranean country, the answer is quite straightforward: No, Armenia is not considered a Mediterranean country. While the term Mediterranean often brings to mind a set of nations bordering the Mediterranean Sea, Armenia's geographical position places it in a completely different region of the world. However, the story does not end here. Armenia has historical and cultural ties to the Mediterranean, making it a fascinating subject of discussion.

Geographical Location of Armenia

Armenia is a landlocked country located in the South Caucasus region of Eurasia. It is bordered by Turkey to the west, Georgia to the north, Azerbaijan to the east, and Iran to the south. Unlike other Mediterranean countries such as Italy, Greece, or Spain, Armenia does not have a coastline along the Mediterranean Sea. Instead, Armenia has a continental climate characterized by hot summers and cold winters.

Historical and Political Borders

The concept of being a Mediterranean country is not solely geographically defined. Historically, Armenia has had significant connections to the Mediterranean region. In 189 BC, during the Artaxiad Artashesian Dynasty, Armenians controlled territories that extended from parts of modern-day Syria and Iraq to Azerbaijan in the east and southward into the Middle East. According to ancient Roman maps, this vast territory gave a sense of a much larger nation than the current borders of Armenia.

Ethnic and Religious Background

The question of ethnic appearance is often a separate discussion. The old Armenians were known to have been Turkic and had a blond appearance, characteristics that have been noted historically. However, these populations were later converted to Islam and played significant roles in various regions, including Egypt, as Mamluks or Turkmen. These historical and ethnic backgrounds are important for understanding the cultural diversity of the region.

Geographical and Climatic Reality

From a purely geographical and climatic perspective, Armenia is not a Mediterranean country. The term Mediterranean typically refers to countries that have direct access to the Mediterranean Sea, which Armenia does not. This lack of a coastline means that Armenia is not classified under the traditional definition of Mediterranean countries.

Historical and Culinary Connections to the Mediterranean

However, Armenia's relationship with the Mediterranean is more complex than just geography. Historically, Armenia has had significant ties to the Mediterranean. This is evident in several ways:

Ancient Armenian Empire: During the reign of Tigran the Great, the short-lived Armenian Empire expanded towards the Mediterranean, taking in a large segment of the coast from Cilicia to Judea. Little Armenia: In the later stages of the Armenian empire, Armenian refugees established a "Little Armenia" in Cilicia, which was an important cultural center for Armenians. Lebanese Armenian Community: A large number of Armenians live in Lebanon, a country that has significant access to the Mediterranean. Lebanese and Armenian cuisines share many culinary similarities.

These historical and cultural connections have made a strong imprint on Armenian identity, making Armenia "Mediterranean" in a more abstract sense. Even though Armenians do not share a direct border with the Mediterranean Sea, their historical and cultural ties have shaped their identity and connections to the broader Mediterranean region.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Armenia is not considered a Mediterranean country based on geographical and climatic criteria. However, the country has historical and cultural links to the region, making it a rich subject of study for those interested in the complexities of national identity and cultural heritage.