Armenia isn’t one of the most famous nations globally. Few Westerners are aware of their country. So I thought I’d share a few simple facts about Armenians and their culture.
1. They’re great at chess
Don’t challenge an Armenian to a game of chess. They’ve won three of the last five chess Olympics and the game is taught in every school in the country.
2. Their brandy is good enough for Churchill
‘Ararat’ has been produced by the Yerevan Brandy Company since 1887. It’s not only popular in Armenia – Britain’s very own Winston Churchill was a fan of the drink. Rumour has it the former PM once said his long life was down to “Cuban cigars, Armenian brandy and no sport!”
3. Kim Kardashian is Armenian
And on a more hardcore note so are rock band System of a Down
A fourth generation Armenian-American, Kim Kardashian isn’t seen in a wholly favourable light by her countrymen and women because of her publicly led lifestyle. However she has (gently) campaigned for genocide recognition. System of a Down have also fought for recognition from the US government – all four band members are Armenian-Americans and the band has sold over 40m records worldwide.
4. They were the ‘first’ Christians
