Introduction
One of the oldest cities in the world, Yerevan is the capital of Armenia. It is located on the Hrazdan River, 14 miles (23 kilometers) from the country's border with Turkey. The city climbs the hillsides from the deep trench of the Hrazdan. The extinct volcanic peaks of Mount Aragats and Mount Azhdaak are to the north of the city, and Mount Ararat is to the south.
Places of interest
Yerevan has many modern buildings constructed in traditional Armenian styles with variously colored local stone. The city is a major cultural center. The Matenadaran archives, founded in 1920, hold a rich collection of ancient Armenian manuscripts, such as the Lazarus Gospel of 887. The city also has many theaters and museums. Its educational institutions include a university and the Armenian Academy of Sciences, established in 1943.
Economy
Yerevan developed into a thriving industrial city mainly because of hydroelectric (water power) plants on the Hrazdan River. The city is noted for its petrochemical industry. Other industries in Yerevan include aluminum smelting and the manufacture of cars, turbines, electrical machinery, compressors, and machine tools.
History
The first historical record of Yerevan dates back to AD 607. However, there is archaeological evidence that shows signs of settlement as early as the 6th to 3rd millennium BC. The remains of the fortress of Yerbuni date back to 783 BC.
Yerevan was strategically located on an ancient trade route. For this reason it was seized several times. It has been controlled by the Romans, Parthians, Arabs, Mongols, Turks, Persians, Georgians, and finally the Russians. Yerevan became the capital of Armenia in 1920. Population (2000 estimate), 1,248,200.
