Nestled in the highlands of Armenia’s historic landscape lies the city of Van, a place shrouded in legend and steeped in antiquity. According to the revered 5th-century historian Movses Khorenatsi, often referred to as the “father of Armenian history,” Van’s origins are as captivating as its scenic beauty.
Khorenatsi’s chronicles tell a tale of passion and sorrow entwined with the founding of Van. It was Queen Semiramis of Babylon, a figure as enigmatic as the city itself, who laid its first stones. Mourning the loss of King Ara of Armenia, whom she had loved deeply for his noble character and striking presence, Semiramis sought solace in creating something enduring.
She was captivated by the land’s beauty, where the purity of the air seemed to whisper secrets of a bygone era, and the clear waters reflected her longing. It was here, amidst the gentle murmur of glides caressing the summer air, that she envisioned a city that would stand as a testament to her love for Ara and her admiration for Armenia.
While some historians debate the veracity of Khorenatsi’s accounts, there is no denying the allure that Van holds. Its foundation story is a tapestry woven from threads of myth and history, inviting us to explore deeper into Armenia’s rich cultural heritage.
As we delve into Van’s past, we uncover layers of human experience that resonate through time. Whether through the eyes of a grieving queen or the hands of countless unnamed builders, Van stands as a symbol of Armenia’s enduring spirit—a city born from love and loss, forever echoing the heartbeats of its ancient creators.
For those intrigued by this blend of history and legend, further reading can be found in Khorenatsi’s seminal work, “History of Armenia,” where he meticulously documents the lineage and legacy of Armenian nobility and common folk alike.
Van’s story is but one thread in the vibrant tapestry that is Armenian heritage. It beckons us to look beyond what is known and discover what lies beneath—the lesser-known narratives that shape a nation’s soul.
Here are some authoritative sources where you can find more information about Movses Khorenatsi’s accounts of Queen Semiramis and King Ara:
Learn more
Historian and human rights activist Arif Yunusov lives in exile in the Netherlands. In an…
When people talk about the antiquity of Armenia, they often begin with a grand formula…
Analysis. Information current as of 13 November 2026. On 7 November, Germany's DW published a…
The story of one of Yerevan's oldest burial grounds, erased in the 1930s Show Image…
How the cuneiform archives of the Hittite capital came to record a powerful mountain kingdom…
Excavations on the northwestern edge of the Armenian capital have uncovered an open-air Upper Paleolithic…