Angkor is one of the most important archaeological sites in South-East Asia. For several centuries Angkor, was the centre of the Khmer Kingdom. With impressive monuments, several different ancient urban plans and large water reservoirs, the site is a unique concentration of features testifying to an exceptional civilization. The architecture and layout of the successive capitals bear witness to a high level of social order and ranking within the Khmer Empire. Angkor is therefore a major site exemplifying cultural, religious and symbolic values, as well as containing high architectural, archaeological and artistic significance.
The park is inhabited, and many villages, some of whom the ancestors are dating back to the Angkor period are scattered throughout the park. The Angkor complex encompasses all major architectural buildings and hydrological engineering systems from the Khmer period and most of these “barays” and canals still exist today. All the individual aspects illustrate the intactness of the site very much reflecting the splendor of the cities that once were. The site integrity however, is put under dual pressures: Endogenous: exerted by more than 100,000 inhabitants distributed over 112 historic settlements scattered over the site, who constantly try to expand their dwelling areas; exogenous: related to the proximity of the town of Siem Reap, the seat of the province and a tourism hub.
Angkor is one of the largest archaeological sites in operation in the world. Tourism represents an enormous economic potential but it can also generate irreparable destructions of the tangible as well as intangible cultural heritage. Many research projects have been undertaken, since the international safeguarding program was first launched in 1993.The scientific objectives of the research (e.g. anthropological studies on socio-economic conditions) result in a better knowledge and understanding of the history of the site, and its inhabitants that constitute a rich exceptional legacy of the intangible heritage. The purpose is to associate the “intangible culture” to the enhancement of the monuments in order to sensitize the local population to the importance and necessity of its protection and preservation and assist in the development of the site as Angkor is a living heritage site where Khmer people in general, but especially the local population, are known to be particularly conservative with respect to ancestral traditions and where they adhere to a great number of archaic cultural practices that have disappeared elsewhere. Moreover, the Angkor Archaeological Park is very rich in medicinal plants, used by the local population for treatment of diseases. The plants are prepared and then brought to different temple sites for blessing by the gods. The Preah Khan temple is considered to have been a university of medicine and the NeakPoan an ancient hospital.
体坛英语资讯:Twelve countries compete in Pan-American Cup
体坛英语资讯:Lula hails Rios victory in 2016 Olympic hosting bid biggest gift
体坛英语资讯:Italy beats Trinidad & Tobago 2-1 in U-20 World Cup
体坛英语资讯:Chinese hurdler Liu Xiang back on track after 13 months lay-off
体坛英语资讯:Costa Rica in U20 World Cup quarterfinals
体坛英语资讯:Olympic champion He Chong crowned at 3m springboard at National Games
体坛英语资讯:Iniesta set to start for Barcelona in Champions League
体坛英语资讯:Spain en-route to Davis Cup final
体坛英语资讯:Barcelona chosen as Davis Cup final venue
体坛英语资讯:Chelsea slip to this seasons first defeat as Wigan overplaying
体坛英语资讯:IOC member urges Chicago to get Obama to support bid
体坛英语资讯:Barcelona kicks off Champions League with draw at Inter Milan
体坛英语资讯:Pelligrini: Real Madrid wont miss Ronaldo
体坛英语资讯:Obama: Chicago Olympics would make world proud
体坛英语资讯:Leo Messi extends Barcelona deal
体坛英语资讯:What makes Rio win 2016 Olympics bid?
体坛英语资讯:Isinbayeva wins womens pole vault at Shanghai
体坛英语资讯:Obama heading to Copenhagen for Chicagos Olympic bid
体坛英语资讯:Sevilla beats Real Madrid to give emotion to the Spanish title race
体坛英语资讯:Two torch designs shortlisted for Guangzhou 2010 Asian Games
体坛英语资讯:Barcelona beats Atletico Madrid to remain top of Primera Liga
体坛英语资讯:Hamilton wins F1 Singapore Grand Prix
体坛英语资讯:Real Madrid flatters to deceive in Zurich triumph
体坛英语资讯:Barcelona defender Chygrynski out for three weeks
体坛英语资讯:Brazil crushes Costa Rica 5-0 in U-20 World Cup
体坛英语资讯:Top three all win in Spains Primera Liga soccer
体坛英语资讯:Hamilton takes pole position in Singapore GP
体坛英语资讯:Pedro goal puts Barcelona back on top
体坛英语资讯:Chinas wildcard Zhang upsets Safina at China Open
体坛英语资讯:Egypt crushes Trinidad & Tobago 4-1 in U-20 World Cup