Inspecting Preservation of Ancient City: MOHTC UM inspected preservation works of ancient city

Union Minister for Hotels, Tourism, and Culture, U Maung Myint, inspected the preservation status of the ancient Ketumati city ruins in Taungoo Wednesday morning.

The Union Minister examined the excavation and preservation of the northern city wall’s monumental gate in Ketumati, the planned site for a moat bridge near the city wall, and the ongoing research excavation of the Myawaddy Gate on the northern wall, providing necessary guidance.

Afterwards, the Union Minister inspected the “YodayaPauk” . He directed that the breach, through which King Naresuan of Siam reportedly drained the moat water during his attack on Taungoo in 1600 AD, be continuously preserved for domestic and international visitors to study.

He also called for further efforts to find available documentary evidence. Subsequently, at the “City Four Fort” built by the British during the colonial era in 1864, he instructed that the site be legally designated as an ancient structure and that repair and preservation work be carried out to ensure long-term durability.

Next, at the Pottaloke Lake, he suggested that there may be brick-laid architectural features at the original site of the lake as currently excavated, and ordered further exploration and uncovering of such features. He also directed that the lake be restored to its original architectural design.

Regarding the two-story brick monastery at Pyikyaung Monastery, built over 130 years ago and damaged by the Mandalay earthquakein2025, he instructed that it be designated as an ancient structure and that brick construction be carried out to ensure long-term strength. He further ordered the preservation of excavated brick walls at the palace site, continued research activities, and exploration of the original palace location.

The Union Minister also visited and inspected the excavation and preservation of the city wall at the Sin Gate on the western side of Ketumati ancient city, as well as the research excavation of the Thit Yin Gate, providing necessary guidance.