Do “Armenian” And “Feminism” Go Together?

Let’s listen to what women have to say about that!

Summer’s coming to an end, and as folks around the world return to the mundanities of school and work, we’re sending you a cure for that end-of-summertime sadness you may be experiencing right now! Yes, it’s the August installment of #1ALoves. This month we’re singing along to an Armenian rock classic, shopping for uber-stylish made in Armenia apparel, listening to the first Armenian feminist podcast, and planning our next hiking adventure. Keep reading for some virtual r&r.

What we’re listening to

Lav Eli — “Ko Achkere” («Քո Աչքերը»)
1995 | Rock | 3:51

Good music never dies — this Armenian rock hit from 1995 certainly hasn’t! In fact, you can still hear it on any given night in a Yerevan pub. There’s nothing like joining in a collective singalong, which is exactly what happens every time Lav Eli’s “Ko Achkere” (meaning “your eyes” in Armenian) comes on. If you haven’t heard this song before, be sure to learn the lyrics so that you can sing along the next time you’re in Yerevan. And while you’re in town, be sure to pick up one of our #InsideYerevan maps to discover the city’s best bars and pubs recommended by real Yerevantsi-s!

What we want

Uber-Stylish Apparel Made In Armenia
By Berq Studio

Founded in Yerevan by Melo and Gaya Sofoyan in 2016, Berq Studio is a clothing brand creating high-quality, comfortable, and stylish apparel. From jackets to sweatshirts, tees, and bags, everything Berq produces is made in Armenia, and made in limited quantities. Berq gets its inspiration from the simple things in life, like nature (hence their name, which means “harvest” in Armenian), architecture, and music. All this is clearly reflected in their minimalist, monochromatic pieces. Need something warm and comfy for the approaching fall season? Berq has you covered.

What (podcast) we’re listening to

Akanjogh
The First Armenian Language Feminist Podcast

Podcasts are becoming more and more popular in Armenia, and they’re exploring a wide range of issues both local and global. Akanjogh, the first feminist podcast in the Armenian language, is exploring issues surrounding gender by combining both the experiences of hosts Gohar and Anahit and their guests, with questions facing the global feminist movement. We don’t normally include content in #1ALoves that’s not in English, but we think this podcast does such an excellent job of unpacking feminism for listeners and contextualizing it to Armenia and Armenian culture, that we wanted to share it with you. Happy listening! Know of any other Armenian podcasts worth listening to? Let us know.

What we’re reading

“5 Natural Wonders In Armenia Worth Hiking To”
HIKEArmenia | August 23, 2019

Summer may be simmering down, but that doesn’t mean that hiking season in Armenia is over! In fact, one of the best times of year to hike is almost here. As fall slowly creeps up on us, Armenia’s forests will go from green to a dazzling array of colors. Luckily for you, our friends at HIKEArmenia are uncovering the country’s little-known natural wonders that you can hike to. Read about 5 points of interests only accessible by hiking, then download HIKEArmenia’s free smartphone app to plan your next hike!