USA help restoring an old monastery in Mandalay

MANDALAY- The political opening of Myanmar is having a positive impact on heritage as foreign countries are now able to express their financial support and expertise on restoring ancient sites. Last week, the US Embassy in Yangon announced that it will provide US$500,000 for the restoration of Shwe Nan Daw Monastery in Mandalay, one of the few remaining vestiges directly linked to King Mindon’s royal palace.
The daily newspaper Myanmar Times reported that the announcement was done during a visit to Mandalay by US ambassador to Myanmar Derek Mitchell on July 25. The 130 old monastery is of remarkable cultural value with its teak structure and is one of the few survivors of a massive fire set up in 1944 when British troops retook the city from Japanese forces.
The two-year project will involve the embassy, Myanmar Ministry of Culture and a US-based conservation group, the World Monuments Fund. Commenting on the US support, Deputy Minister for Culture U Than Swe said to the newspaper: “We have accepted this offer from the USA because we need funds and technical assistance to preserve the monastery. During the preservation process, we will however make sure that the original Burmese architectural style is maintained so that we avoid some of the things that happened in Bagan.”
Restoration is due to start by September and is expected to end in June 2015. Myanmar National Museum and National Library will also provide assistance to respect the historical aspect of the monastery.
The US funding will come from the State Department’s Ambassadors Fund for Cultural Preservation. The ministry and the World Monuments Fund will also contribute to the project. “This partnership is a celebration of this country’s rich cultural and architectural heritage,” Mr Mitchell said in a statement. “Even as this country develops and modernises, it is important to preserve its unique heritage for future generations. We are honoured to begin this partnership with the Ministry of Culture, which will foster collaboration between US and local preservation experts and help train a team of experts to conduct other preservation efforts in the future.

Sourced: TravelDailyNews