Plan to cooperate with international experts to restore earthquake-damaged ancient buildings
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Phyo/ Saw (NP News) - June 24
Dr. Than Htike, Director of the Department of Archaeology and National Museums (Mandalay Branch) of the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Culture, told The Statesman Journal that there are plans to collaborate with international experts to rebuild and repair ancient buildings damaged by the Mandalay earthquake.
The earthquake damaged 1,559 ancient buildings in Mandalay Region. Among the priority lists of damaged buildings, the remaining pagodas, which have artistic, historical, archaeological, and architectural values, have been identified for restoration with the cooperation of expert engineers from the department and foreign experts.
"Mainly, there is China. There is also Russia and Bhutan. There are many countries that come and offer here and have many plans to implement," said Dr. Than Htike.
Currently, the Department of Archaeology and National Museums held discussions with experts from the National Cultural Heritage Administration of China, as well as the Shaanxi Provincial Cultural Heritage Administration, on June 16 regarding the ancient buildings in Mandalay Region and Sagaing Region that were damaged by the earthquake.
He said, "They came recently to inspect the pagodas that were damaged by the earthquake. After the visit, they discussed with the department based on priorities such as historical significance, artistic value, and the preservation status of the remaining pagodas, statues, and stupas. They conducted field visits and collaborated to identify which structures need restoration and conservation. Once they return to their country, they will report their findings to the relevant ministries. The discussion is aimed at future collaboration between what they observed and what the department intends to restore."
The Chinese team of experts arrived in Mandalay on June 10 and on June 11, they visited 27 ancient sites in Mandalay Region, Innwa, Makara, and Sagaing, which were damaged by the earthquake, according to the Department of Archaeology and National Museums.
"It depends on them. They will present the information they find to their ministry, and once their ministry and government give permission, they will come. They said they will do it as soon as possible," he continued.
In addition, the Department of Archaeology and the National Museum have conducted special studies on the sites recommended by them, and the Mandalay Palace moat will also be further studied, according to the statement. –