The History of the Armenian Alphabet: The Cornerstone of National Identity

The creation of the Armenian alphabet in 405 AD is one of the most pivotal turning points in Armenian history. Mesrop Mashtots with the support of King Vramshapuh and Catholicos Sahak Parthev completed a mission that saved the Armenian people from assimilation. The 36 original letters were designed to perfectly reflect the phonetic system of the Armenian language. The creation of the alphabet was immediately followed by the "Golden Age"—the translation of the Bible and the flourishing of original Armenian literature. The Armenian script is not just a means of communication but a powerful weapon of national existence that has preserved the Armenian identity for centuries.