• World
  • Feb 04
  • Sreesha V.M

Cambodia completes restoration of a temple in Angkor Archaeological Park

• Cambodia has completed the restoration of a more than 1,000-year-old brick temple on the north side of Phnom Krom Temple in the UNESCO-listed Angkor Archaeological Park.

• The temple, which dates back to the late ninth century, had endured significant deterioration from environmental factors such as rain, plant growth, and the natural ageing process. 

• The Phnom Krom Temple area, where the restored site is located, is a popular destination for visitors, offering scenic views of the Tonle Sap Lake, nearby villages, and other natural landmarks. 

Angkor Archaeological Park

• Angkor Archaeological Park, inscribed on the World Heritage List in 1992, has become a force of economic growth for Cambodia.

• It is one of the most important archaeological sites in Southeast Asia. 

• Angkor Archaeological Park, stretching over some 400 km2 in Cambodia’s northern province of Siem Reap, contains the magnificent remains of the different capitals of the Khmer Empire, from the ninth to the 15th century. 

• They include the famous such as Angkor Wat, the Bayon, Preah Khan and Ta Prohm.

• For several centuries, Angkor was the centre of the Khmer Kingdom. 

• With impressive monuments, several different ancient urban plans and large water reservoirs, the site is a unique concentration of features testifying to an exceptional civilisation.

• It is a major tourist attraction, drawing millions of visitors each year, with ticket sales contributing significantly to Cambodia’s economy.

• The restoration of this ancient temple marks a significant achievement in preserving Cambodia's rich cultural heritage. 

• The park is inhabited, and many villages, some of whom the ancestors are dating back to the Angkor period are scattered throughout the park. 

• The population practices agriculture and more specifically rice cultivation.

• The site is about 320 kilometers northwest of the capital, Phnom Penh.

• The Angkor Archaeological Park is very rich in medicinal plants, used by the local population for treatment of diseases. 

• The plants are prepared and then brought to different temple sites for blessing by the gods. The Preah Khan temple is considered to have been a university of medicine and the NeakPoan an ancient hospital. 

• These aspects of intangible heritage are further enriched by the traditional textile and basket weaving practices and palm sugar production, which all result in products that are being sold on local markets and to the tourists, thus contributing to the sustainable development and livelihood of the population living in and around the World Heritage Site.

(The author is a trainer for Civil Services aspirants.)

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