CAU > Seminars and Study Tours > The Caucasus: Armenia/Georgia

The Caucasus: Armenia/Georgia

May 7-21, 2005

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Cultures and Landscapes of the Caucasus

May 07-21, 2005
Armenia and Georgia
Yervant Terzian

Cloistered between the Black Sea and the Caspian Sea, the nations of Armenia and Georgia have survived for nearly two thousand years despite geography, war, and the predations of imperial neighbors, from Genghis Khan to Joe Stalin. Finally, after centuries under many thumbs, both nations are taking their places in the emerging new political landscape of Central Asia.

This first CAU study tour to Armenia and Georgia will be led by CAU favorite Yervant Terzian, the David C. Duncan Professor in the Physical Sciences at Cornell and past chairman of the Department of Astronomy, whose extensive familiarity with and significant contributions to the international Armenian community will give us unusual access. With Yervant's guidance, contacts, and enthusiasm, and the assistance of expert guides and specialists throughout, our goal will be to explore and enjoy a most remarkable region and its fascinating cultures, history, and terrain.

We'll begin in Armenia's capitol, Yerevan. Our explorations will include visits to the Matenadaran, with its splendid collections of ancient manuscripts; the ruins of the fortress city of Erebuni, one of the great Bronze Age sites in Asia Minor; the monastery complex of Khor Virap overlooking Mt. Ararat; and Echmiadzin, the holy seat of the Supreme Catholicos of the Armenian Church (who, through Yervant's contacts, we hope to meet). We will also examine Armenia's modern history and culture, from the tragedy of the Armenian genocide to the rebirth of intellectual life and science at Byurakan, one of the world's major centers for astronomical research.

From Yerevan we'll head north to Lake Sevan, whose name derives from the ancient Urartian word siuna, meaning "country of lakes." We'll quickly understand why this tranquil spot has lured visitors for centuries. Departing early the next morning, we'll cross into Georgia, enjoying marvelous vistas as we explore Tbilisi and the monasteries at David Gareja, whose marvelous watchtowers served as an early-warning system against Turkish and Persian marauders.

In the foothills of the Caucasus Mountains, we'll encounter remains of the fortified town of Sighnaghi, one of the wealthiest outposts of the Great Silk Road; Telavi, whose architecture reflects three hundred years of Persian rule; and Tsinandali, where we'll stay at the parklike estate of the poet and prince Alexander Chavchavadze.

Working our way back down from the mountains, we'll return to Tbilisi, visit Stalin's birthplace at Gori, sample Tbilisi's famous bakeries, and depart via Vienna for home.

The program fee of $5,790 (per-person, double-occupancy) includes all meals and lodging, all ground transportation, site visits, escort services, taxes, gratuities, emergency medical-evacuation insurance, and the full educational program. The supplement for single occupancy is $970. A group airfare from New York will be offered (the current price is $850).

This is a moderately rigorous trip, with a good deal of walking and climbing steps, and bus rides on less-than-perfect roads. The weather in May should be very pleasant, but rain showers are possible, as are cool evenings in the mountains.