Some famous Armenians worldwide are French singer Charles Aznavour, American tycoon Kirk Kerkorian (who shaped much of present-day Las Vegas), Canadian film director Atom Egoyan and the US metal band System of a Down (who have highlighted the oppression of Armenians in their song lyrics).
Armenia was the first country in history to adopt Christianity as its state religion, in 301 AD. The
conversion was achieved by Saint Gregory the Illuminator, who is now one of Armenia’s patron saints
Mount Ararat, which is the supposed resting place of Noah’s Ark, is seen as a spiritual homeland for Armenians. Today Ararat lies in Turkish territory, according to the borders defined by the Treaty of Kars (1921).
The Armenian genocide is the second most studied case of genocide in history, and both Armenia and the country’s diaspora are campaigning for it to be recognised worldwide. In some countries, like France, it is illegal to dispute the atrocity ever taking place.
