Conservation of ancient Mrauk-U temples raises concerns

By DMG 19 May 2021

DMG Newsroom
19 May 2021, Mrauk-U 

The sustainability of some temples of the ancient Arakanese city of Mrauk-U is uncertain, said Daw Khin Than, chairperson of the Mrauk-U Cultural Heritage Conservation Association. 

The Shite-thaung, Koe-thaung and Htukkanthein temples are under scrutiny, and there are some other temples that have yet to be observed, she said. 

“There’s been worry over the sustainability of some temples in Mrauk-U due to improper conservation works. For example, Shite-thaung temple is covered with sandstone. Now, it has been renovated by covering tiles over sandstone. So, it can damage the water flow system and cause bad effects in the future,” said Daw Khin Than. 

She added that regarding the sustainability of these temples, the respective temple trustee groups needed to exercise prudent management over any future renovations.  

The condition of ancient buildings in Mrauk-U has been negatively impacted by human factors, climate change and improper conservation, said Dr. Tin Mar Aung, who is trying to get Mrauk-U’s cultural and architectural heritage inscribed on the UNESCO list of World Heritage Sites.  

“I visit Mrauk-U once a year. I have studied this area. So, I’ve seen the situations here. Using tiles and concrete on these sandstone temples can cause bad effects,” she said. 

Daw Khin Than said it takes experts to properly conserve Mrauk-U’s architectural heritage. 

“There are few sandstone experts in our country. So, we need foreign experts. We can get foreign experts’ support only when Mrauk-U is listed as a World Heritage Site,” she said. 

A final proposal intended to put Mrauk-U on the UNESCO list of World Heritage Sites is set to be submitted in January of next year, according to the junta-led Ministry of Religious Affairs and Culture.