Armenian lavash has a deep-rooted history that stretches back thousands of years. It is one of the oldest types of bread in the world, with origins tracing back to the Armenian Highlands, where ancient civilizations flourished.

1. Ancient Origins

• Lavash has been made for at least 3,000 years, as archaeological evidence suggests.

• Clay ovens resembling the tonir (traditional Armenian oven) have been discovered in ancient Armenian settlements, showing that early Armenians baked flatbreads in a similar way to today’s lavash.

• Lavash was a practical food for Armenian travelers, warriors, and merchants on the Silk Road, as it could be dried and stored for long periods of time.

2. Lavash in Historical Texts

• The earliest mentions of lavash appear in ancient Armenian manuscripts, including medieval Armenian chronicles and poetry.

• Historians such as Movses Khorenatsi (5th century) and Anania Shirakatsi (7th century) reference Armenian bread-making traditions, highlighting the cultural importance of lavash.

• Many travelers and historians who visited Armenia, like Jean Chardin (17th century) and Hovhannes Draskhanakerttsi (9th century), wrote about the uniqueness of Armenian lavash.

3. Lavash and Armenian Identity

• Lavash has been a symbol of Armenian self-sufficiency and resilience throughout history.

• During the Genocide and forced migrations, Armenian families carried dried lavash, ensuring they had food for survival during long and difficult journeys.

• Armenian women played a major role in preserving lavash-making techniques, passing them down through generations, even in diaspora communities.

4. Tonir: More than Just an Oven

• The tonir used to bake lavash has existed since the time of Urartu (9th-6th centuries BCE), an ancient Armenian kingdom.

• Tonirs were not just cooking tools but also sacred spaces in Armenian homes, representing warmth, family, and life. Some Armenian scholars believe the tonir was designed to resemble the sun, an important symbol in pre-Christian Armenian mythology.

5. Lavash’s Recognition in Modern Times

• In 2014, UNESCO added lavash to the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, officially recognizing it as an integral part of Armenian culture.

• Despite attempts by neighboring countries to claim it as their own, Armenia’s historical connection to lavash remains undisputed, backed by centuries of tradition and evidence.