The Armenian Premier League

Armenian Premier League

Football is hugely popular in Armenia and with the national team having its most successful year and now ranked 35th in the world by FIFA, the Armenian Premier League goes from strength to strength.

Soviet Occupation
During the Soviet occupation of Armenia (which occurred between 1936 and 1991) football was played as a regional tournament within the USSR. However, when the country gained its independence the Football Federation of Armenia was formed. The following year in January 1992 the league was recognised by FIFA and in 1993 by UEFA, which allowed teams from Armenia to compete in European competitions.

Armenian League
Armenia is a country of only 3 Million people; as such the football league is small when compared to other countries in Europe. The league consists of only two divisions and the Premier League has eight teams competing for the title.

Early Dominance
Historically, the Soviet era of Armenian Football had two dominating teams in the form of FC Dinamo Yerevan and Spartak Yerevan, both operating out of the Armenian Capital. Between them, these two teams won 12 championships during the league’s first 16 years.

USSR National Team
Furthermore, during the Soviet occupation of the country a number of Armenia players were called up to play for the USSR National team. Most notably, Khoren Hovhannisyan was called up to the Soviet national team for the 1982 FIFA World Cup. However, Hovhannisyan was not the first as Eduard Markarov was a regular in the USSR team during the late 1960’s and became an Armenian sporting hero. In fact, Markarov went on to become a coach for the Soviet national youth team, taking them to the FIFA World Youth Championship which was held in Portugal in 1991.

Trans Caucasian Championship
However, back in 1926 at the formation of the Armenian football league and before occupation by the Soviet Union, football in Armenia was contested as the Trans Caucasian Championship. Teams drawn from the Southern Caucasian countries of Georgia, Armenia and Azerbaijan competed in the competition which was based in Tbilisi.

Domestic Success
In recent years, FC Pyunik of Yerevan have been the dominant force in domestic Armenia football winning an incredible 10 league titles out of the last 12. However, their dominance has been halted in the past two seasons with Ulisses and Shirak winning the 2011 and 2012 seasons respectively.

Strength to Strength
Football in Armenia continues to go from strength to strength and the success of the national team can only help the domestic league to flourish further. This in turn is attracting star players to the country’s league and with European competition available for the winners... big names will soon be arriving.

Weightlifting in Armenia

Weightlifting has rapidly become the second sport in Armenia, second only to football as the nation’s favourite. It was introduced to Armenia just after the First World War; however, it was not until after the Second World War that the sport really took off. Soviet successes in weightlifting during the 1970’s raised the profile of the sport throughout the Soviet Socialist Republics. Armenia SSR was no different and the sport grabbed the media attention when, in 1976, Vardan Militosyan won a silver medal at the 1976 Olympic Games, in Montreal, Quebec, Canada.

Yurik Vardanyan

Olympic Champion
However, it was not until the 1980’s that Armenia SSR enjoyed its greatest success when Yurik Vardanyan became Olympic champion in 1980. Born in Armenia’s second largest city of Gyumri (which has a long history of producing Weightlifting champions) he went on to become World and European Weightlifting Champion. A great ambassador for the sport, Vardanyan became a soviet (and Armenian) sporting hero and icon, being awarded the Order of Lenin in 1985 in honour of his sporting achievements.

World Record Holder
Vardanyan became the first weightlifter to lift over 400 Kilograms in the 82.5Kg category, he went on to break a number of world records as well as amassing an impressive 22 Gold medals in World, European and Soviet championships during his career.

Minister for Sport
In 2009, Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan appointed Yurik Vardanyan as his sports advisor going on to become the Armenian Minister for Sport in 2013.

Independence
After gaining independence from the Soviet Union Armenia continued its weightlifting traditions and to this day is considered to be one of the strongest weightlifting nations. To this day, Armenia still holds four world records in weightlifting.

Olympic Success
In 2010 Tigran Martirosyan became weightlifting World Champion and to this day remains their only world champion at the sport. However, two years prior at the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing, Armenia brought home three bronze medals; this is made more impressive when you consider that Armenia is a relatively small nation. In fact, 2008 was the most successful year for Armenian weightlifting. The European Weightlifting Championship showcased the strength of the Armenian team when they achieved 1st place in style. In the same year, Tigran Martirosyan, Gevorg Davtyan and Tigran Vardan Martirosyan all went on to claim bronze medals at the Beijing Olympics, making it the most successful Olympics games for an independent Armenia.

The Game of Kings

Since the early Middle Ages the game of Chess has been played across Armenia. However, it was not until occupation by the Soviet Union that game became institutionalised within the Armenian culture.

70th Armenian Chess Championship

Popular
Still popular today, Chess in Armenia gained world-wide recognition when Armenian Grandmaster Tigran Petrosian became the Chess World Champion in the late 1960’s. However, back then, under Soviet rule, Petrosian was referred to as a Soviet Champion rather than an Armenian one.

Strongest Chess Nation
When you consider that Armenia has a population of approximately 3 million people then it is doubly impressive that they are considered to be one of the strongest chess nations in the world. In fact, Armenia has one of the highest ratios of chess grandmasters per capita anywhere in the world.

Team Success
Team chess has taken off in recent years with the Armenian Men’s Chess Team winning the 1999 European Chess Team Championship (held in Batumi, Georgia). They went to have similar success at the 2011 World Team Championship (held in Ningbo, China) and 2012 Chess Olympiad (held in Istanbul, Turkey).

Similarly, Armenian Woman’s Chess team have had similar success and took the title at the 2003 European Chess Championship.

Official Rankings
In the official FIDE World Chess rankings Armenia has an enviable reputation with the country ranked sixth in the world and the countries best player (Levon Aronian) is ranked as number 2 in the world. In fact, Aronain was a candidate for the World Chess Championship in 2013.

Compulsory in Schools
As discussed in a previous article, in 2012 Armenia became the very first country in the world to make chess a compulsory part of the national curriculum in each and every school in the country. In doing so Armenia has underlined the country’s intention to become a leading chess nation for generations to come.

Weekly Magazine
Armenia’s obsession with the game of chess is reflected in its top selling magazine ‘Chess in Armenia’. Established as a monthly periodical by Gaguik Oganessian in 1972, the magazine has gone from strength to strength and is now published on a weekly basis. Oganessian continues to be the editor in chief and continues to take an active role in the magazines output.

Television Show
However, ‘Chess in Armenia’ is not Armenians only source of chess information as they have a long running weekly television show, Chess 64, hosted by Chess in Armenia’s very own Gaguik Oganessian. The television show is Armenia’s longest running television show having been on air since 1972.

Liban Restaurant, Yerevan

If you would like an authentic experience of Asian regional food, then why not try Liban Restaurant?

Launched in 2003 and serving a menu of Lebanese and Syrian dishes alongside Armenian and Mediterranean cuisine, this family-run business is led by husband and wife team Arzive and Manoush Hajinians. This couple’s grandparents were survivors of the Turkish genocide and they dreamt of returning to their ancestor’s homeland to establish this restaurant; therefore, a lot of passion has been poured in to this restaurant, which ensures a great deal of care and attention to detail to make your visit as comfortable and enjoyable as possible. No wonder that this is another restaurant that received a Certificate of Excellence in 2013.

Liban Restaurant, Yerevan

Location and Opening Times
Liban Restaurant is based at Sayat Nova 23, Yerevan, Armenia; unfortunately, no opening times are available.

Food and Beverages
As previously stated, this establishment serves you exotic Arabic cuisine, alongside Armenian and Mediterranean cuisine – spicy meats (chicken, lamb, ham and beef) and fish (trout, crab and salmon), soups, a range of salads, pickles, cheeses and speciality kebabs, including a unique and delicious cherry kebab that has been seasoned with cedar nuts. All of this delicious food is prepared and served fresh, daily.

Together with its food, the restaurant offers you a wide range of Eastern alcoholic drinks and a natural non-refined Armenian beer.

Other Services

For your entertainment on Friday and Saturday nights, the restaurant employs musicians to play whilst you are eating.  They also employ a belly dancer called Mira to dance for your entertainment.  You never know, you may also be asked to partake in a little dancing with her!

Trip Adviser Ratings and Testimonials

Cafe Central is ranked 12^th out of 199 places to eat in Armenia on Trip Adviser, awarded  4.5 out of 5 stars overall – 35 out of 46 independent reviewers giving it 5 out of 5 and 5 more giving it 4 stars out of 5.  Some of the guests said the following:

                ‘One of the best Lebanese restaurants in the world!’

                ‘Lovely Lebanese food...’

                ‘Excellence, literally!’

                ‘True authentic Lebanese food...’

If you enjoy travelling and sampling food from different cultures, then it seems that this restaurant will certainly add to those experiences!

Cafe Central, Yerevan

Would you like to enjoy coffee or dinner in Armenia’s capital in more formal surroundings? Then, why not try Central Cafe with its continental cuisine, plus a spacious and extremely tastefully decorated dining room? This is a place that is popular not only with locals but also with tourists - there is fine music whilst you dine coupled with a welcoming atmosphere and friendly staff, making it ideal for family dinners or a party during your visit.

Cafe Central, Yerevan

Location and Opening Times
Cafe Central is based at 30 Abovyan Poghots, Yerevan, Armenia; unfortunately, no opening times are available, but the fact that they serve breakfast, lunch and dinner probably means that they are open from early in the morning to late in the evening.

Food and Beverages
This establishment serves all sorts of coffees for you to sample, from the classics (eastern, espresso and cappuccino) to a plethora of coffee cocktails made from beans roasted on the premises using the newest technology.

However, Central Cafe is most well-known for its scrumptious pastries and ice creams, which are made fresh on the premises, daily. These treats are a must try – they not only look visually stunning, but they are carefully crafted using unique recipes to ensure they stimulate your taste buds to the maximum, also!

Don’t fancy something sweet? Sweet treats are not the only thing on the menu. Why not try some of their delicious savoury European food, instead? All dishes on the menu have been created in collaboration with European chefs and prepared from the freshest ingredients. You could choose a light option, such as a pancake or omelette, or a three course gourmet meal – the choice is yours.

Other Services
Central cafe is just as comfortable catering for a business lunch as a large-scale celebration.

A shop at the front of the property, serves you with coffee you can purchase to take home with you.

Trip Adviser Ratings and Testimonials
Cafe Central is ranked 9th out of 199 places to eat in Armenia on Trip Adviser, awarded 4.5 out of 5 stars overall – 14 out of 29 independent reviewers giving it 5 out of 5 and 13 more giving it 4 stars out of 5. Some of the guests said the following:

‘Tasty food, excellent service...’

‘A real French brasserie atmosphere.’

‘Best service in Armenia [with] good food [and] a warm atmosphere.’

‘Like it!’

A definite must-try for delicious food in a great setting!

The Club Yerevan

The Club Yerevan

If you want an eatery which provides a completely different and unique experience, then why not visit The Club Yerevan, where gastronomy meets art meets culture!  It won a Certificate of Excellence in 2013 and offers a tea room, a cafe and a restaurant, which serve Armenian, French, Continental or Contemporary food – you can take your pick!  Whilst you are there, why not also browse the integral market place or gallery, or drop in to the concert hall for a spot of music, or take an amble around the vineyard?  And all of this for between £3 and £17 per head per visit (depending on whether you are visiting the tea room, cafe or restaurant) – fantastic value for money!

Location and Opening Times

The Club Yerevan is based at 40 Tumanyan Poghots, Yerevan, Armenia; unfortunately, no opening times are available.

Food and Beverages

The tea room is an ultimately comfortable space, where you can lounge in comfort whilst sampling its superb range of teas supplied from a Buddhist family in China or soft drinks alongside scrumptious light snacks or desserts.

The cafe is a slightly more formal retro-styled space, where you will be served with a selection of spirits and cocktails alongside authentic French desserts.

The restaurant is a welcoming and understated space, which will serve you Western Armenian food with a French feel alongside an impressive menu of world wines.

Other Services

The cafe contains a library of books, music and films for you to browse whilst you are savouring the food and drink you have ordered.  This space also hosts a film screening every Tuesday at 20:00 and a Bard Club every Friday at 21:00.

There is a marketplace which sells books, music, local crafts, magazines, films, etc. for you to browse at your leisure.

New in 2014, you will also be able to browse a gallery of work from aspiring, young Armenian artists.

The Concert Hall is the residence of the renowned Midnight Concerts.  However, it also offers you film screenings, plays, performances and new creations by visiting or Armenian-born artistes.

Trip Advisor Ratings and Testimonials

The Club Yerevan is ranked as 5^th out of 199 places to eat in Armenia on Trip Adviser, awarded  4.5 out of 5 stars overall – 105 out of 157 independent reviewers giving it 5 out of 5 and 31 more giving it 4 stars out of 5.  Some of the guests said the following:

                ‘Every big city should have at least one place like the club!’

                ‘Beautiful space in Yerevan.’

                ‘A truly gourmet experience.’

                ‘The best food!’

It seems that this is a must-visit whilst in Armenia – with so much to offer, I can’t see you being disappointed!

The Green Bean Coffee Shop, Yerevan

As a tourist from America or Europe, are you looking for a cosy and welcoming eatery that is a home-from-home or something that reflects the cuisine of the continent you are on?  Well, at The Green Bean Cafe and Restaurant, in Armenia’s capital, you get the best of both worlds.  Plus, as an added bonus, if you are passionate about being eco-friendly, this coffee shop was both designed and constructed to be eco-friendly and also works hard to source suppliers with progressive ecological production methods and distribution chains.  At between £2 and £4 per head per visit, it is also extremely good value for money.

The Green Bean Coffee Shop, Yerevan

Location and Opening Times

The Green Bean is based at Amiryan 10, Yerevan 0010, Armenia; it is open from 8:30 until 23:00 every day.

Food and Beverages

The Green Bean serves coffee made from Caffe Moak coffee beans, ensures that these beans are no more than 4 months old and make a fresh pot of coffee every 45 mins; thereby, they ensure that the coffee they serve you is as fresh and tasty as it possibly can be.  There is a wide range of coffees on offer, from filtered coffee and espresso to a marocchino or a frappuccino.  Not a fan of coffee?  How about a mug of organic tea, or an Armenian beer, or a glass of wine, or a soft drink?  The Green Bean caters to all!

Food is served on the premises during opening hours, but a take away service is also offered and they ensure all of the products used in their food are organic and fresh, daily.  They serve a selection of daily sandwiches and soups; daily baked bagels, with delicious fillings; various delicious salads; breads, muffins and cakes of the day; and a range of ‘nibbles’.

Other Services

If you bring your own mug with you, a 10% discount is offered – after all, it is environmentally-friendly! 

Fast internet is offered, free of charge.

It is also one of the few eateries in Yerevan that is completely smoke free – so, healthy for you, but also healthy for your children.

If you want to take a look at The Green Bean’s foods or daily specials before you swing by to try, take a look at their Facebook page – packed with delicious photos of food they serve and upcoming projects.

Trip Advisor Ratings and Testimonials

The Green Bean is ranked as 2^nd out of 199 places to eat in Armenia on Trip Adviser, awarded  4.5 out of 5 stars overall - 48 out of 62 independent reviewers giving it 5 out of 5 and 12 more giving it 4 stars out of 5.  Some of the guests said the following:

                ‘The best...’

                ‘A little heaven in Amiryan Street.’

                ‘My favourite restaurant in Yerevan.’

                ‘Great place for a good coffee and a light meal.’

Overall, this little eatery seems to be a gem in the heart of Yerevan.

Andranik Hakobyan – Two Time Olympian and World Amateur Boxing Champion

Andranik Hakobyan (Red)

As a country, Armenia is no stranger to international sporting success. The country can boast a host of sporting greats, medal winners and championship holders. At both the Summer and Winter Olympic Games Armenia is always well represented and even during the era of soviet occupation Armenian nationals figured regularly for the USSR Olympic team. 

Amateur Boxer
The national sporting passion is Football; however, popular sports include wrestling, weightlifting, judo, chess and boxing. It was with Boxing that Andranik Hakobyan found his sporting excellence. He went on to become a two time Olympian, a World Silver medallist and Boxing World Cup winner.

Armenian Olympic Committee
Born October 6th, 1981 in what was then referred to as the Soviet Socialist Republic of Armenia, Andranik Hakobyan grew up in the historic city of Vagharshapat. He discovered boxing as a young man and soon learned to excel at the sport. By the time he was 18 years old Hakobyan was competing as a middleweight at a national level and within a few years was challenging for amateur titles across the world. It was not long before the Armenian Olympic Committee saw his potential and he was called up to the boxing squad at the 2008 Summer Olympics which were held in Beijing, China.

World Cup Success
Despite losing in his second round fight in Beijing, later the same year he was representing his country once again at the Boxing World Cup in Moscow. Hakobyan was able to put the disappointment of the Olympics behind him and won the World Cup in the middleweight class.

World Amateur Boxing Championships
The following year he brought home a silver medal from the World Amateur Boxing Championships held in Milan. He was unfortunate in the final, after winning five straight fights he was stopped in the final by Abbos Atoev from Uzbekistan. However, Hakobyan was hailed as a hero upon his return to Armenia as his silver medal was the first such medal for an independent Armenia.

Armenian Champion
The following year Hakobyan became the Armenian amateur middle weight champion and was courted by promoters representing the Armenia professional boxing circuit. However, he turned away from the professional side of the sport in favour of staying an amateur and reached the quarter finals of the 2011 World Amateur Boxing Championships. However, this match was shrouded in controversy due to questionable scoring by the judges. Despite this defeat Hakobyan went on to qualify for the 2012 Summer Olympics in London, making him a two time Olympian.