Armenia

Armenia ratified the UNESCO World Heritage Convention on 5 September 1993, as a successor state to the Soviet Union which did so in 1988. All its inscribed sites are cultural properties. These include medieval monastic complexes like Haghpat and Sanahin, the Cathedral and Churches of Etchmiatsin with the archaeological site of Zvartnots, and the Monastery of Geghard and the Upper Azat Valley. Common themes among Armenia’s nominations feature ancient Christian architecture, rock-cut and earthen ecclesiastical structures, monastic scholarship, and the synthesis of Byzantine and vernacular Caucasian styles.