Podmootiun: The Armenian History Podcast

Episode 44 - Kum Kapu. Named after the Armenian neighborhood in Constantinople where it took place, the Kum Kapu demonstration on July 27, 1890 is significant in Armenian history for many reasons. We talk about what happened, why it happened, and what it meant for Armenian political parties and the Armenian Question. Don’t forget to like, subscribe and leave a review (which helps more people find Podmootiun).

Episode 43 - Armenian Queens of Jerusalem. We talk about Queen Arda, Morphia, and of course, Melisende. We tell their stories, their influence on Jerusalem, and why Fulk of Anjou wasn’t a smart husband. Don’t forget to like, subscribe and leave a review (which helps more people find Podmootiun).

Episode 42 - Argishti. King of the ancient kingdom of Urartu from 786 BC to 764 BC, Argishti I left his mark on the ancient world and Armenia in interesting ways. We talk about his military might, his building projects, and his legacy in Yerevan today. Plus, the other people group that claim to be descendants of Urartu. Do you know an Argishti? Let us know on https://www.facebook.com/podmootiun. Don’t forget to like, subscribe and leave a review (which helps more people find Podmootiun).

Episode 41 - Shushi. We talk about this Armenian city in Artsakh, its history, some of its famous citizens, and Ghazanchetsots Cathedral. Have you been to Shushi? Let us know, and share your pictures on our Facebook page. Don’t forget to like, subscribe and leave a review (which helps more people find Podmootiun).

Episode 40 - The Mamigonian Family. You’ve heard of Vartan Mamigonian. You may even know about Vahan Mamigonian. But what about the rest of the family? We talk about the mysterious origins of the family and how their story interweaves with Armenian history. Don’t forget to like, subscribe and leave a review (which helps more people find Podmootiun).

Episode 39 - Khrimian Hayrig. An outspoken voice for the Armenians in the late Ottoman Empire, find out why Khrimian Hayrig is a beloved Catholicos and why he’s famous for his speech entitled “The Paper Ladle.” Get updates and more on www.facebook.com/podmootiun/, and don’t forget to like, subscribe and leave a review (which helps more people find Podmootiun).

Episode 38 - Armenian Coins. We talk about Armenian coins with our first guest, Dr. Chuck Hajinian from the Armenian Numismatic & Antiquities Society (https://www.facebook.com/share/g/wkwvPQXXn6Q1th5h/). We discuss the history of Armenian coins, what they tell us about our heritage and our past, and how it’s easier to own a piece of history than you might think. Get updates and more on www.facebook.com/podmootiun/, and don’t forget to like, subscribe and leave a review (which helps more people find Podmootiun).

Episode 37 - King Pap. He made an appearance in our episode on Arshak II, but now we’re telling his story. His reign was only about 5 years, but there’s plenty of Persians, Romans, and Mamikonians. Get updates and more on www.facebook.com/podmootiun/, and don’t forget to like, subscribe and leave a review (which helps more people find Podmootiun).

Episode 36 - Nor Julfa. Also called Nor Jugha and New Julfa, this city in Iran has an interesting story and history. We talk about the original city of Julfa in Nakhichevan, why Shah Abbas moved over a hundred thousand Armenians to be near his imperial capital, and how some Armenian families of New Julfa became known even in the Far East. Get updates and more on www.facebook.com/podmootiun/, and don’t forget to like, subscribe and leave a review (which helps more people find Podmootiun).

Episode 35 - Sayat Nova. Gusan, troubadour, itinerant bard. We talk about the life, loves and music of one of our greatest poets. Get updates and more on www.facebook.com/podmootiun/, and don’t forget to like, subscribe and leave a review (which helps more people find Podmootiun).

Episode 34 - Queen Zabel. As the daughter of Levon the Great, and grandmother to a grand total of 5 kings, this Cilician queen is the only Armenian queen to make it onto a coin. But despite leaving quite a legacy, her life wasn’t exactly easy. We cover it all on this episode, including who Gundstable was. Get updates and more on www.facebook.com/podmootiun/, and don’t forget to like, subscribe and leave a review (which helps more people find Podmootiun).

Episode 33 - Yeghishe Charents. Who was Yeghishe Charents? We were both surprised to learn the answer. Living during the pivotal and chaotic world of the early 20th Century, Charents captured the spirit of the Armenian people in his poetry. He also suffered a lot. We cover it all in this episode. What’s your favorite Charents poem? Get updates and more on www.facebook.com/podmootiun/, and don’t forget to like, subscribe and leave a review (which helps more people find Podmootiun).

Episode 32 - Coronation of Levon the Great. In this episode we talk about the coronation of the first king of the Armenian kingdom of Cilicia in January of 1198 AD. Find out about the events that lead to this crowning, why he’s called “the king of great works”, and why Barbarossa plays a role in Armenian history. Check out our Facebook page for a picture of a Levon the Great coronation tram, updates and more on www.facebook.com/podmootiun/, and don’t forget to like, subscribe and leave a review (which helps more people find Podmootiun).

Episode 31 - Erebuni. This Bronze Age fortress not only overlooks Yerevan, it’s the reason the modern Armenian capital is one of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited city. Founded in 782 BC by the Urartian king Argishti, this is the story of Yerevan long before they built the Cascade. Have you been to the museum at Erebuni? Share your experience on our Facebook page. Get updates and more on www.facebook.com/podmootiun/, and don’t forget to like, subscribe and leave a review (which helps more people find Podmootiun).

Episode 30 - Battle of Sardarabad. This important battle site is also an important stop on most tours of Armenia. We talk about the events that led up to this battle, the heroes involved, what happened in the aftermath, and why it’s important to remember battles like this today. Have you been to Sardarabad? Share your experience on our Facebook page. Get updates and more on www.facebook.com/podmootiun/, and don’t forget to like, subscribe and leave a review (which helps more people find Podmootiun). Note: This episode was recorded in August of 2022, before the recent attacks on Armenia and blockade of the Lachin corridor.

Episode 29 - Being Armenian-American. Our hosts tell us their experiences of being Armenians who live in America, and what it means to them. Plus, we talk about food, culture, pronouncing Armenian last names, what it’s like to grow up Armenian in a small community, and why the Armenians didn’t invent baseball. Get updates and more on www.facebook.com/podmootiun/, and don’t forget to like, subscribe and leave a review.

Episode 28 - Arshak II. A beautiful queen, an angry Persian shah, and the Castle of Oblivion—the story of this Armenian king is so tragic, it has its own opera. With a vibrant cast of characters and many twists and turns, it starts out as a story about an Armenian king who has to keep the Romans and Persians happy and ends up as a haunting precursor for the Battle of Avarayr. But it’s not all sad. What’s your favorite part of Arshak’s story?Leave a comment on our Facebook page. Get updates and more on www.facebook.com/podmootiun/, and don’t forget to like, subscribe and leave a review.

Episode 27 - City of Ani. The City of 1,001 Churches, Ani was a medieval Armenian capital on the Silk Road. Now, it’s a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site, famous for its impressive ruins, and a popular girl’s name. The site of Ani is now in Turkey, but did you know it’s only 400 meters from the Armenian border? If you know an Ani, you should listen to this episode. Leave a comment on our Facebook page. Get updates and more on www.facebook.com/podmootiun/, and don’t forget to like, subscribe and leave a review.

The Silk Road, the Crusades, the Mongols, and the last Armenian king…the story of the Armenian Kingdom of Cilicia has it all. There’s King Levon, who was friends with Richard the Lionheart of England. There’s Queen Zabel, the only Armenian queen on a coin. And there’s King Hetoum II who abdicated (twice!) to become a Franciscan monk. And we haven’t even gotten to the reason why the Catholicos moved there. It’s all in this packed episode. Leave a comment on our Facebook page. Get updates and more on www.facebook.com/podmootiun/, and don’t forget to like, subscribe and leave a review.

Episode 25 - Armenian Emperors of Byzantium. Did you know that an Armenian sat on the throne of the Eastern Roman Empire? In fact, more than a dozen Byzantine Emperors claimed Armenian origin. We take you through some of the highlights. Who’s your favorite Armenian Emperor of Byzantium? Leave a comment on our Facebook page. Get updates and more on www.facebook.com/podmootiun/, and don’t forget to like, subscribe and leave a review.