Bagan in Myanmar

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Bagan, formerly known as Pagan, is a huge medieval town located in central Myanmar, Mandalay district. Initially named Arimaddana Arimaddanapura, Bagan was built between 1000 and 1200 AD and was, over time, the capital of several kingdoms in Burma.

Bagan, or as they call it - the city of a million temples –is a unique and stunningly beautiful place with an interesting history. Bagan was submitted for inclusion on the UNESCO World Heritage list, but was later expelled. This place is no longer defined as a world heritage site, and all because of the authorities - the military junta in Burma. They restored the ancient temples and buildings, ignoring original architectural styles and using modern materials that have no resemblance to the original project. The junta has gone further by setting the 200-foot fire tower near Bagan, as well as building a road here and a great golf course.

The ruins of Bagan cover an area of 16 square miles. Over time, Bagan became the capital of the First Burmese Empire, on the orders of King Piinbi in 874. Most of its buildings were built in the years 1000-1200 AD. Later, the monks made Bagan become the religious and cultural center of the state, declaring Buddhism the state religion. In the 12th and 13th centuries the town became a truly cosmopolitan center of Buddhist beliefs, attracting monks and students from India, Sri Lanka, as well as Thai and Khmer kingdoms. In 1287, the kingdom was conquered by the Mongols, after refusing to pay tribute to Kublai Khan.

Bagan is located in upper Myanmar, so you can visit it all year round - there is practically no rainy season, as in the other parts of the country. Thousands of tourists come here daily to enjoy the unique temples and pagodas.

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By Maria Morari

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