After the Myanmar Earthquake: Urgent Concerns for Bagan’s Majestic Buddhist Temples

Rising from the misty forest at dawn, the temples and pagodas of Bagan stand as some of the most breathtaking sights in the world. Scottish journalist James George Scott, back in 1910, noted that no other city—be it Jerusalem or Rome—could boast the same abundance of stunning temples.

Bagan’s 2,200 ancient Buddhist structures, built in the 11th century, face serious threats due to being near the Sagaing fault line in Myanmar. “The earthquake in 2016 devastated many monuments,” said Dr. Stephen Murphy, an Asian art expert. He mentioned that it’s still undetermined how much damage was done in recent tremors.

These remarkable stupas and temples were built along the Irrawaddy River by the early Burmese kingdom, known for its rich Buddhist culture. Anawrahta Minsaw, the kingdom’s founder, famously defeated his step-brother to start his reign around 1044. Legend has it he returned with 30,000 skilled captives who excelled in various trades, further enhancing Bagan’s cultural legacy.

The impact of these structures is immense. Historians believe Bagan saw the construction of over 10,000 religious shrines, many adorned with intricate designs that have withstood both earthquakes and questionable restorations attempted by the military in the 1990s.

In 2019, UNESCO declared Bagan a world heritage site, a recognition of its historical significance. Still, the site has faced challenges due to political unrest. Tourism sharply declined from around 200,000 visitors annually two decades ago to just a few thousand. “We welcomed many visitors up until 2017,” says Marc Leaderman, a travel company owner. “It’s a site that rivals Angkor Wat. We’re saddened for the people of Myanmar and Thailand.”

Despite these challenges, local tourism is thriving again, with over 400,000 people visiting in 2023. Ashley Thompson, a Southeast Asian art professor, remarked that Bagan symbolizes hope for local residents who have endured years of political violence. The ancient beauty of Bagan reminds them of a more prosperous past.

Among Bagan’s treasures is the Myazedi inscription, often referred to as the Burmese Rosetta Stone. This pillar, dating back to 1113, features four ancient languages, including the earliest known form of Burmese.

“While the cultural loss Bagan faces is significant, it’s small compared to the loss of human life,” Thompson stated. “Still, for a country where many struggle to survive, these monuments offer crucial reminders of heritage and resilience.”

As the world watches, Bagan remains a powerful symbol of culture, history, and hope amidst ongoing hardships.

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