Site Manager Database - Mrauk-U

2019

Mrauk-U

Mrauk-U ruled the Arakan from 1430 to 1784, for 354 years successively and it is the longest period as compare to that of the other capitals in Myanmar. Mrauk-U was built as a fortress city. It is a large complexion of several reserviors, moats, channels, water gates and stone city walls and earthern walls among the hills and mountains. The palace site is in the western part of the city. The structure is not symmetrical and is indeed likely a labyrinth and the aim is to catch the invaders in a trap.

In 2018 the Government of Myanmar has reaffirmed its commitment for the implementation of the UNESCO 1972 World Heritage Convention and it is now in the process of submitting the nomination to the World Heritage List for the site of Mrauk-U, in Rakhine State. With the support of the Italian Government, UNESCO is implementing the project 'Supporting the safeguarding, management and valorization of Mrauk-U' with the main aim of strengthening local capacity to preserve cultural heritage within the international framework and standards of the World Heritage Convention. Within the scope of providing technical assistance and capacity building to support the definition of the Outstanding Universal Value of Mrauk-U, UNESCO’s project objectives are:

  • strengthen the capacity of relevant local authorities for sustainable management and conservation of Mrauk-U and its cultural landscape in line with the World Heritage standards;
  • engage local communities in heritage management for the benefit of conservation and to improve their socio-economic well-being.
koe Thaung Temple
Mrauk-U view

Objectives

Within the overall scope to assist the World Heritage nomination process for Mrauk-U, UNESCO was supporting the development of the historical narrative of the site that will constitute a core component for the selection of the Criteria and the definition of the Outstanding Universal Value.

A part of training courses to the DOA (Department of Archaeology) Officials, the Lerici Foundation has made thematic maps for the physiographical attributes of the Site by using his own SMDB/GIS (Site Manager Database) Software that will constitute a core input for demarcating the zoning of the World Heritage Property.

Map of Mrauk-U