Letter: Yerevan celebrates an anniversary

The capital of Armenia, Yerevan, celebrated its 2,997th anniversary Oct. 12. The Republic of Armenia is now 24 years old. Yerevan is one of the world’s oldest cities. It is believed by many that Yerevan was named by Noah when he landed on Mt. Ararat after the Great Flood, exclaiming “Yerevats!” (“It appeared!”)

Yerevan’s nickname is the “pink city” due to the volcanic stones’ tuff, its pinkish color becoming orange at sunset. Armenia’s independence was first earned in 1918, at the Battle of Sardarabad; fought by women, children, and orphans of the Armenian Genocide, protecting the cradle of civilization, Armenia.

Yerevan has flourished for 3,000 years, despite all the atrocities she witnessed and the tragic history Armenians faced. Ararat symbolizes the heart of Armenia. Ararat is visible from any distance, which is why Yerevan is an important tourist site as it ensures visits to biblical time.

The streets become colored in red, blue and orange on Yerevan’s founding anniversary, symbolizing Armenia’s national flag. Each color has a symbolic meaning: Red represents our blood, blue Armenia’s sky, and orange our wheat.

Yerevan has been embraced as a twin city for Los Angeles and Cambridge, Mass.

Armenians long for Yerevan to prosper for centuries to come. It is our dream “to serve Armenia, is to serve civilization.” We must restore Armenia back to its glory so we can finally sleep in peace; so our martyrs can rest in peace as justice is served.

Let us help Mother Armenia keep her independence by waving her flag to the skyline of Ararat and singing her song “Im Yerepouni.”

Rachel Melikian

Glendale