In June 2014 I got the opportunity to visit Georgia and Armenia. These are two rather small countries south of the Caucasus mountain range, equipped with long and dramatic histories. They have distinct cultures with own alphabets and Christian traditions. While Armenia is a landlocked country, a mountainous place, historically depending of trade, Georgia is situated in between the northern and southern Cacasasus, mostly within a fertile lowland and therefor living of farming and wine cultivation. The country is especially known for its long traditions of wine consumption and the various traditions surrounding it (the drinking rules!). In southern direction the scenery changes quite suddenly. Armenia is situated on a higher altitude, laying within a geological high plateau, which is much older then the hills in Georgia and much more rocky. In many places these rocks tend to shine in a red color, giving the landscape an astonishing look. The most iconic visual feature of the country, one could use also the adjective biblical in this case (even literally), the majestic Mount Ararat isn’t even situated in Armenia but in the neighboring country of Turkey. Still is is dominating the scenery of the western part of the small country, including the capital Yerevan.
In the Shadow of Ararat: Armenia
Michael Hoffman Photography 