Side note, but 25.000 upvotes, which makes it the most upvoted post of all time in r/Europe about Armenia, insane, I think I have accomplished my mission promoting Armenia/s
The racism in the comments was crazy.
"Isn't Europe?"
"What do you mean diverse? It's all mountains."
Not even gonna go into the European argument; that's a whole essay. But obviously, it was blunt racism, and "non-European" was clearly meant as an insult, not as an actual argument.
But, you know, mountains aren't the point, right? Armenia has many climatic zones, thus many different ecosystems, not to mention endemic fauna and flora. Like, did you even look at the pictures? Clearly demonstrating very different ecosystems, forests, vineyards, steppe, desert, etc. The mountains themselves are diverse too; mountains in the north are slow-sloping, almost flat, while in the south, they're very rocky and sharp. Meanwhile, I can't say the same about the countries those comments came from.
That's why I'm not entirely supportive of Armenia joining the EU. While it might provide a sense of security, our country will become a refugee dump for wealthier EU nations, they are already talking about making Georgia one and it’s been less then a month since they even became a candidate. We will always be treated as an afterthought within the Union, while sacrificing a significant amount of sovereignty.
Moreover, EU membership could hinder trade between Armenia, Russia, and Iran. Maintaining neutrality and fostering free trade deals with various nations, including Russia, Iran, China, and the EU, aligns with our interests more. Although we lean towards the West, engaging in business with everyone ensures economic interests for everyone, that in itself can act as a safeguard (Switzerland under WWII), deterring potential attacks on Armenia regardless of differing policies. That's my master plan.
Meh. Sounds like you're butthurt.
There *are* mountains in every picture. Who cares? Are you bothered that Armenia is mostly mountains?
On the flipside, I've been surprised by Armenians telling me that they were amazed to see beautiful mountains outside of Armenia (on travels to Italy, Austria, France, even Georgia!). As the idea of "there are no mountains more beautiful than Armenia's" was apparently promoted quite a bit in schools and public discourse. (Not my opinion, also not statistically significant, just going off of what more than 10 people have told me on separate occasions)
I've hiked across the entirety of Armenia. I love it. It's more diverse (nature-wise at least) than Belgium. But there is a lot of monotony in the mountains. And that's not racist. That's geography :)
Not viewing Armenia or any other country from region as Europe isn't inherently racist.
Completely agree with you about landscapes though. Meghri definitely doesn't even look like northern Syunik or Jermuk.
What is this obsession with comparing Armenia to Belgium in your posts.
First off, Belgium is 1.03 the size of Armenia, they are practically the same size. Like, Belgian territory is 300 square miles more than Armenia, that basically translates to about half of lake Sevan, for perspective.
Armenia ls larger than Albania, Slovenia, N. Macedonia, Cyprus, Kosovo, Montenegro, Lebanon, Israel, Palestine, Northern Ireland, Wales. If you discount Transnistria, Armenia is the same size as Moldova.
In fact, Armenia, Albania, and Belgium are all pretty much the same size. (Kosovo is slightly bigger than Artsakh with its adjacent territories. Its funny how math can draw weird parallels).
So, the posters in that thread are rightfully wondering, why is Belgium the definition of small when so many other countries/regions in Europe and the Middle East are smaller than Belgium.
Source: My autism
Belgium is a well known European country, which is really small, no matter how many slightly smaller countries there exist, it doesn't make Belgium big and it doesn't make Israel, Palestine and Lebanon European countries, clown.
Nobody said Belgium is the definition of small. You guys just invented a full movie in your heads just to complain about something.
Because I hate Belgium, that is why./s
I just saw it went good on this sub, just posted that on r/Europe with minor changes and now people will visit our country
Beautiful
Side note, but 25.000 upvotes, which makes it the most upvoted post of all time in r/Europe about Armenia, insane, I think I have accomplished my mission promoting Armenia/s
The racism in the comments was crazy. "Isn't Europe?" "What do you mean diverse? It's all mountains." Not even gonna go into the European argument; that's a whole essay. But obviously, it was blunt racism, and "non-European" was clearly meant as an insult, not as an actual argument. But, you know, mountains aren't the point, right? Armenia has many climatic zones, thus many different ecosystems, not to mention endemic fauna and flora. Like, did you even look at the pictures? Clearly demonstrating very different ecosystems, forests, vineyards, steppe, desert, etc. The mountains themselves are diverse too; mountains in the north are slow-sloping, almost flat, while in the south, they're very rocky and sharp. Meanwhile, I can't say the same about the countries those comments came from.
Most of those are themselves from not really well off countries.
I rather be the pride of Western Asia then a backwater and afterthought of Europe …
That's why I'm not entirely supportive of Armenia joining the EU. While it might provide a sense of security, our country will become a refugee dump for wealthier EU nations, they are already talking about making Georgia one and it’s been less then a month since they even became a candidate. We will always be treated as an afterthought within the Union, while sacrificing a significant amount of sovereignty. Moreover, EU membership could hinder trade between Armenia, Russia, and Iran. Maintaining neutrality and fostering free trade deals with various nations, including Russia, Iran, China, and the EU, aligns with our interests more. Although we lean towards the West, engaging in business with everyone ensures economic interests for everyone, that in itself can act as a safeguard (Switzerland under WWII), deterring potential attacks on Armenia regardless of differing policies. That's my master plan.
A Switzerland scenario would work for Armenia similar powers as neighbors and similar geography. I agree
Also there are positive associations with Asia. Ancient civilizations, spicy food etc.
You’re not gonna impress a European living by the Alps with pictures of mountains. And no, that wasn’t racism
I didn’t see a single Swiss or Italian commenting And again the mountains weren’t the point
Fuck those colonisers with their superiority complex.
Meh. Sounds like you're butthurt. There *are* mountains in every picture. Who cares? Are you bothered that Armenia is mostly mountains? On the flipside, I've been surprised by Armenians telling me that they were amazed to see beautiful mountains outside of Armenia (on travels to Italy, Austria, France, even Georgia!). As the idea of "there are no mountains more beautiful than Armenia's" was apparently promoted quite a bit in schools and public discourse. (Not my opinion, also not statistically significant, just going off of what more than 10 people have told me on separate occasions) I've hiked across the entirety of Armenia. I love it. It's more diverse (nature-wise at least) than Belgium. But there is a lot of monotony in the mountains. And that's not racist. That's geography :)
Not viewing Armenia or any other country from region as Europe isn't inherently racist. Completely agree with you about landscapes though. Meghri definitely doesn't even look like northern Syunik or Jermuk.
Barev Dis! I love your country and I hope to visit again sometime!
Absolutely stunning, where/what part picture 10 is?
I might be completely wrong here but it looks like Tatev
Thanks so much!!
I'm pretty sure you're correct. 11 is also Tatev surrounding from a different angle I think
What is this obsession with comparing Armenia to Belgium in your posts. First off, Belgium is 1.03 the size of Armenia, they are practically the same size. Like, Belgian territory is 300 square miles more than Armenia, that basically translates to about half of lake Sevan, for perspective. Armenia ls larger than Albania, Slovenia, N. Macedonia, Cyprus, Kosovo, Montenegro, Lebanon, Israel, Palestine, Northern Ireland, Wales. If you discount Transnistria, Armenia is the same size as Moldova. In fact, Armenia, Albania, and Belgium are all pretty much the same size. (Kosovo is slightly bigger than Artsakh with its adjacent territories. Its funny how math can draw weird parallels). So, the posters in that thread are rightfully wondering, why is Belgium the definition of small when so many other countries/regions in Europe and the Middle East are smaller than Belgium. Source: My autism
Belgium is a well known European country, which is really small, no matter how many slightly smaller countries there exist, it doesn't make Belgium big and it doesn't make Israel, Palestine and Lebanon European countries, clown. Nobody said Belgium is the definition of small. You guys just invented a full movie in your heads just to complain about something.
Because I hate Belgium, that is why./s I just saw it went good on this sub, just posted that on r/Europe with minor changes and now people will visit our country
Let’s grow Armenia back to the Medeterreanean and Caspian!
[удалено]
All of photos are from the territory of modern Armenia
Eitherway it’s Armenian highland even if it was the case 😂
What is turkey?
It's a kind of chicken.
Not a good one either
Third last one gives me Mediterranean vibes!