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Yerevan — Capital and largest city of Armenia

Yerevan is Armenia's capital and largest city, founded as the Urartian fortress Erebuni in 782 BC; today it is an administrative, cultural and economic center known for pink tuff architecture and rich history.

Yerevan (Armenian: Երեւան / Երևան), often written in English as Erevan or Erivan, is the capital and largest city of Armenia. Located on the Hrazdan River in the western part of the country, it functions as Armenia's administrative, cultural and industrial hub. The city is home to roughly one million residents and serves as the main center for government, higher education and nationwide services.

The recorded history of Yerevan reaches back to 782 BC with the founding of the Urartian fortress of Erebuni. Over centuries the settlement experienced successive periods of Armenian, Persian, Ottoman and Russian influence, and later extensive urban planning and rebuilding during the Soviet era. The modern name evolved from the ancient Erebuni; the site is often cited among the world's oldest continuously inhabited cities.

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Characteristics and urban fabric

Yerevan is known for broad avenues, public squares and a distinctive building material — the local pink volcanic tuff — which gives many structures a warm rose hue. The city is divided into administrative districts and combines compact historical neighborhoods with Soviet-era blocks and contemporary developments. The Hrazdan River and its canyon cut through the city, and views toward Mount Ararat remain a notable visual feature from many vantage points.

Culture, institutions and economy

As Armenia's cultural heart, Yerevan hosts major museums, concert halls and universities. Important institutions include manuscript repositories, art galleries and national theaters. The economy blends manufacturing, services, tourism and public administration. Transport links include tram and metro lines, intercity roads and an international airport outside the urban core.

Notable sites

  • Republic Square — central civic plaza surrounded by government buildings and museums.
  • Matenadaran — repository of ancient manuscripts and a research center.
  • Erebuni Fortress and museum — archaeological remains of the Urartian foundation.
  • Opera and Ballet Theatre — a focal point for performing arts.
  • The Cascade — stepped public complex with galleries and panoramic terraces.

Visitors and residents value Yerevan for its layered history, lively cultural life and recognizable architectural character. For further general information see the city's official or tourist resources and historical overviews available online and in libraries (more on Yerevan).

Questions and answers

Q: What is Yerevan?

A: Yerevan is the capital and largest city of Armenia.

Q: How many people lived in Yerevan in 2004?

A: Around 1,088,300 people lived in Yerevan in 2004.

Q: Has Yerevan had any other names in the past?

A: Yes, Yerevan was called Erebuni or Erivan in the past.

Q: What is the location of Yerevan?

A: Yerevan is situated on the Hrazdan River.

Q: What is the significance of Yerevan for Armenia?

A: Yerevan is the administrative, cultural, and industrial center of Armenia.

Q: When was the Urartian fortress of Erebuni founded?

A: The Urartian fortress of Erebuni was founded in the 8th century BC.

Q: When did the name Erebuni change to Yerevan?

A: The name Erebuni changed to Yerevan in the 5th or 4th century BC when the letter "b" became "v".

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AlegsaOnline.com Yerevan — Capital and largest city of Armenia

URL: https://en.alegsaonline.com/art/109804

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