ARMENIAN HIGHLAND Meaning and
Definition
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The Armenian Highland refers to a vast elevated region located in the southwestern part of Asia, specifically within the modern-day borders of Armenia, eastern Turkey, northwestern Azerbaijan, and northwestern Iran. This region is characterized by its high altitude, with numerous mountains and plateaus, making it a prominent geographical feature of the area.
The Armenian Highland holds a significant historical and cultural importance as it is considered the cradle of ancient civilizations, including the Armenian civilization, which dates back thousands of years. The region has been inhabited since prehistoric times and has witnessed the rise and fall of various empires and kingdoms throughout its history.
Geographically, the Armenian Highland is surrounded by other key mountain ranges, including the Caucasus Mountains to the north and the Taurus Mountains to the west. This geographical positioning has contributed to the region's distinct climate, with extreme temperatures and diverse ecosystems. Additionally, the Armenian Highland is rich in natural resources such as minerals, forests, and fertile lands.
Throughout history, the Armenian Highland has been a site of cultural exchange and conflict due to its strategic location between different empires and trade routes. The region has been influenced by various civilizations, including the Byzantine, Persian, Ottoman, and Russian, resulting in a unique blend of cultural heritage.
In conclusion, the Armenian Highland refers to a historically and geographically significant elevated region in southwestern Asia, encompassing modern-day Armenia, eastern Turkey, northwestern Azerbaijan, and northwestern Iran. This region holds a rich cultural heritage, witnessed the birth of ancient civilizations, and has a diverse climate and abundant natural resources.
Etymology of ARMENIAN HIGHLAND
The term "Armenian Highland" refers to the historical region located in the eastern part of Anatolia, which is occupied by present-day Armenia, eastern Turkey, and parts of Azerbaijan and Iran. The etymology of the term can be traced back to the ancient Near East.
The word "Armenian" originates from the Indo-European language family and is believed to be derived from the ancient Greek word "Armenioi", which was used to describe the people inhabiting the region during the Classical period. The exact origin of the word "Armenioi" is uncertain, but it is thought to have been borrowed from an older language in the region. Some linguists hypothesize that it might be related to the ancient Hurrian word "Armani", which referred to a kingdom in the same area during the Bronze Age.
The term "Highland" refers to the geographical character of the region.
