UNESCO to examine one of Pyu ancient cities

UNESCO to examine one of Pyu ancient cities

Published on Saturday, 05 October 2013 17:00

Ancient city Sri Kestra which will be inspected by UNESCO (Photo - EMG)

United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, or UNESCO, is poised to grant a third Myanmar ancient city on its World Heritage status.

These three ancient cities dated back from Pyu era namely, Hanlin, Beikthano and Sri Kestra. Myanmar has been making preparation to nominate these three ancient Pyu cities since January 2013.

These ancient cities built along the Ayeyawady Valley belong to the Pyu, a people speaking a language closely related to Myanmar but now extinct. They were built from the 1st to the 9th centuries AD. 

The Pyus built large cities enclosed by ramparts. Each city is located at the centre of a cleverly designed irrigation network of channels, connected by sluices to the local rivers.

"We have been submitted three Pyu cities to UNESCO to be among the World Heritage. For the first time, they will inspect Sri Kestra during this year. After the UNESCO recognized these ancient three cities, we are also making preparation for nominating temples in Bagan, Innwa, and Mrauk-U. We are doing our best to know our cultural heritages to the world," said an official from the Department of Archaeology, National Museum and Library.

Source: http://www.news.myanmaronlinecentre.com/2013/10/05/unesco-to-examine-one-of-pyu-ancient-cities/