The ceremonies saw a huge congregation of government and local officials plus Cambodians dressed in colourful clothes gather in front of the three prang towers of Angkor Wat temple. Apsara spokesperson Long Kosal explained the UNESCO status was important as it enabled the temples to be preserved for the delight of future generations.
Mr Kosal elucidated by saying the upkeep and restoration of some of the ruins required a huge amount of money and Cambodia simply could not afford it. He finished off by saying the listing as a UNESCO World Heritage Site provided the support needed to apply for funding from the international community.
12GO notes that Angkor was the seat of the historic Khmer Empire and a significant portion of its prangs, temples, statues and other extant features are up to 1,000 years old. Angkor Archaeological Park is a few kilometres from Siem Reap. The town is easily accessed by bus from Phnom Penh or flight from Bangkok.
Angkor Temples celebrate silver anniversary of UNESCO listing
News in Asia
The temples of Angkor marked the 25th anniversary of their UNESCO listing with a colourful ceremony late last week. The Apsara Authority manages the illustrious complex of temples and arranged the celebratory rites to commemorate the elevation to World Heritage Site extraordinaire.