BAGAN, Myanmar — Ancient pagodas and temples dot the landscape in Bagan, Myanmar. The brick structures, some dating back to the 11th century, stand amid a vast plain.
Photograph by David Coleman. Bagan, located in Myanmar's Mandalay Region, is one of the world's most remarkable archaeological sites and a testament to the religious devotion and architectural prowess of an ancient Southeast Asian civilization. Sprawling across a vast plain alongside the Ayeyarwady (Irrawaddy) River, Bagan boasts over 3,500 surviving stupas, temples, and other religious structures, dating primarily from the 11th to 13th centuries. During its golden age, Bagan was the capital of the Pagan Kingdom, which unified regions that would later become modern Myanmar. At its peak, the city may have contained over 10,000 Buddhist structures, reflecting the era's fervent religious building campaigns. Today, the remaining pagodas and temples create a mesmerizing landscape that attracts visitors and pilgrims from around the world. The architecture of Bagan's monuments showcases a unique blend of indigenous Burmese design with influences from India, Sri Lanka, and the Khmer Empire. Structures range from massive temple complexes like Ananda and Dhammayangyi to smaller, elegant stupas. Many buildings feature intricate stucco work, stone carvings, and remnants of mural paintings that offer insights into the artistic and cultural life of medieval Burma. Key monuments include the gilded Shwezigon Pagoda, believed to enshrine a Buddha relic; the innovative Ananda Temple, known for its cruciform layout and four standing Buddha statues; and the imposing Dhammayangyi Temple, the largest structure in Bagan. The Sulamani and Htilominlo temples are renowned for their fine plaster carvings and glazed sandstone decorations. Bagan's cultural landscape was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2019, recognizing its outstanding universal value. This designation has brought increased focus on conservation efforts and sustainable tourism management. Challenges facing Bagan include the impact of earthquakes, with a significant temblor in 2016 damaging many structures, as well a
Size: 6706px × 4476px
Location: Bagan, Mandalay Region, Myanmar (Burma)
Photo credit: © David Coleman | Have Camera Will Travel / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No
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