DID YOU KNOW…?
By Metro Eireann
Thursday, February 26, 2009, 17:59
Some famous Armenians worldwide are French singer Charles Aznavour,
American tycoon Kirk Kerkorian (who shaped much of present-day Las
Vegas), Canadian film director Atom Egoyan and the US metal band
System of a Down (who have highlighted the oppression of Armenians
in their song lyrics).
Armenia was the first country in history to adopt Christianity as
its state religion, in 301 AD. The conversion was achieved by Saint
Gregory the Illuminator, who is now one of Armenia’s patron saints
Mount Ararat, which is the supposed resting place of Noah’s Ark,
is seen as a spiritual homeland for Armenians. Today Ararat lies in
Turkish territory, according to the borders defined by the Treaty of
Kars (1921).
The Armenian genocide is the second most studied case of genocide in
history, and both Armenia and the country’s diaspora are campaigning
for it to be recognised worldwide. In some countries, like France,
it is illegal to dispute the atrocity ever taking place.