Myanmar's Bagan Inscribed as World Heritage Site

The ancient city of Bagan was officially recognized as a World Heritage Site last week at the 43rd session of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (Unesco)’s World Heritage Committee meeting, which took place in Azerbaijan's capital of  Baku.

Bagan was selected as a World Heritage Site under three selection criteria: bearing a unique testimony to a cultural tradition or to a civilisation; being an outstanding example of architectural or technological ensemble in human history; and being an exceptional example of living Buddhist beliefs and tradition of merit-making.

Myanmar believes that the new status of its signature attraction will help draw more Western tourists to the country. Besides Bagan, Myanmar has already three of Pyu cities, namely Halin, Beikthano and Sri Ksetra inscribed on the World Heritage list since June 2014.

Bagan, located on a bend of the Ayeyarwady River in the central plains of Myanmar is a spectacular testimony to the peak of Bagan civilisation from the 11th to 13th centuries. The whole area features nearly 3,600 ancient monuments, including exceptional number of Buddhist art and architecture. 

Source