Mrauk-U Photo Exhibition: Efforts for inscription Mrauk-U on World Heritage List

The ancient Pyu cities of Han Lin, Beikthanoe and Sri Khestra have been inscribed as the World Heritage List in 2014 and Bagan cultural zone in 2019 respectively.

The Ministry of Religious Affairs and Culture is now making efforts for inscribing of Mrauk-U cultural zone on the World Heritage List. The Nomination Dossier for inscribing Mrauk-U cultural zone on the World Heritage List has already submitted to the World Heritage Center.

To support the nomination process, Annagha Yadana Myay– Mrauk-U Photo Exhibition was held at AndawThein Temple in Mrauk-U of Rakhine State on Saturday. Union Minister for Religious Affairs and Culture U Ko Ko made a speech at the opening ceremony, saying that the valuable cultural heritages, handed down from the ancestors, must be well conserved for the next generation.

It has to be carried out as a national duty. He called for cooperation of all concerned persons in their respective sectors.

The inscription of Mruak-U on the World Heritage List could help create job opportunities for the residents in Mrauk-U and Rakhine State and also help for socio-economic development of the region along with the booming of tourism industry.

This is the first photo exhibition for Mrauk-U, and the similar exhibition are scheduled to be held in Sittwe, Thandwe, Yangon, Nay Pyi Taw, Mandalay and Bagan. 120 photos, taken by Mrauk-U resident photographers are on display at the exhibition.

The photos portray the granduer of pagodas and temples, its cultural arts, landscapes, lifestyles, festivals and customs in Mrauk-U area. The Union Minister later visited CheinKaik Pitaka Taik and LaungPunPyauk Ceti as well as the Mrauk-U Palace.

The palace was built in 1430 AD by King Min Saw Mon, and it was renovated by King Min Bar Gyi in 1531 AD. The palace was built with three levels of wall, using the sand stones, and its architectural design is unique.

The Union Minister instructed to maintain the remains of the palace, to continue research works by inviting the historical experts. The Union Minister also viewed the display items at Mrauk-U Cultural Museum.

The Union Minister and party later proceeded to Sittwe and visited the Cultural Museum, Lawka Nanda Pagoda and Buddha Museum.