Bagan, an ancient city in Myanmar, is known for its tremendous archaeological importance. Today, with political unrest and chilling seismic threats putting the portal at a critical crossroads, it finds itself under fire. Bagan is home to more than 2,200 ancient Buddhist monuments, built mostly in the 11th century. In 2019, it added the distinction of being named a UNESCO World Heritage site. In fact, the city has immense cultural treasure and history. Yet, he has witnessed foreign tourism to his country crater from 200,000 foreign visitors down to a few thousand over the past 20 years.
Comparable to Cambodia’s Angkor Wat in cultural significance, Bagan’s monuments are not only a draw for tourists but a testament to the architectural prowess of its time. These beautiful structures have survived both tragic earthquakes and often misguided restorations done during the 1990s under Myanmar’s military junta. Given their location immediately adjacent to the Sagaing fault line, their seismic risk is extremely high.
Dr. Stephen Murphy highlighted the impact of natural disasters on these monuments:
“The last earthquake in 2016 caused considerable damage to key monuments.” – Dr Stephen Murphy
Bagan makes a worthy addition to that marvelous time depth with an intriguing museum. It features the Myazedi inscription, sometimes referred to as the Burmese Rosetta Stone. This pillar, dated to 1113, demonstrates the city’s archaeological significance.
Political turmoil
Despite Bagan’s splendor, the current political climate puts a pall over the site. The city has suffered under ongoing political turmoil and violence, affecting its ability to sustain tourism and preserve its heritage.
Bagan plays a complex role in the national psyche.
“For populations subjected to sustained political violence over past decades, the glimmers Bagan provides of past prosperity can also sustain hope, even as its Buddhist imperial symbolism can be instrumentalised by those in the highest echelons of power.” – Ashley Thompson
The city’s foundation traces back to Anawrahta Minsaw, who, around 1044, engaged in heroic combat against his step-brother before conquering surrounding nations and erecting stupas and temples along the Irrawaddy River. His legacy remains today as both a model of and a leader in shaping Myanmar’s cultural identity.