P R O F I L E

Europe and the Land of Ararat

Geography and History

Mount Ararat: Zenith of the Plateau of Armenia

Armenia, a distinct mountainous Plateau with its zenith at Biblical Mount Ararat, is situated south of the Caucasus Mountains. The Armenian nation was formed upon it and has inhabited its land of origin for thousands of years. In the past, however, Armenian kingdoms have expanded well beyond their Plateau of origin such as up to the Mediterranean and Caspian Seas. No nation inhabiting the Plateau predates the Armenians. States such as the Republic of Armenia and Nagorno-Karabakh, or to give the latter's correct original title, Artsakh, are formed upon its eastern sector.

The European Civilisation and its Cultural Frontiers

Armenian Temple 1st Century AD, Garni, Republic of Armenia

Presently, the part of the Plateau of Armenia inhabited by the Armenian population falls within the cultural frontiers of Europe. These frontiers embrace the 'European Civilisation', which can briefly, yet effectively, be defined by the following six strata: CHRISTIANITY; the GRECO-ROMAN stratum; the MEDIEVAL period, which encompasses and consolidates the past, and establishes new standards, cultures and nations; the RENNAISSANCE polishes and enhances practically all its aspects; the AGE OF REASON, which examines the past and incorporates extensive new ideas and innovations with rational thought; and finally, the Civilisation is furthered significantly by its spectrum of VALUES fought for across the ages. The various aspects of the aforementioned strata have spread at diverse periods and speeds throughout history.

The cultural frontiers of Europe can be effectively classified as incorporating, with minor enclave type exceptions, the nations belonging to the European Civilisation. Geographically, it is a continuous inter-continental land mass, plus its islands. Longitude point of view, it stretches from Gibraltar to Vladivostok and from Latitude point of view from Scandinavia to Armenia. The latter's continental frontiers are the most southerly and thus possess great significance but also places it in danger.

Indeed, past developments clearly show that small nations like Armenia, particularly when situated at the forefront of cultural frontiers, have suffered extensively and, at times, practically to the extent of extinction. It is indubitable that Armenia and the Armenians have been subjected to the worst human rights violations yet, somehow, still managed to survive.

Consequently, small nations and nation states, especially those with the aforementioned dangerous geo-political exposures or dislocated populations, may require far greater help when subversively or violently challenged by their adversaries. Those at risk may include individuals, groups and, indeed, even entire nations. Hence, it is reasonable for human rights organisations, particularly those working with such peoples, to monitor developments constantly and be prepared for all adverse developments. Implementation of preventative measures, even before problems arise, may be beneficial for all concerned.