What efforts are being made to restore the ninth brick tower of Bakong temple in Cambodia's Angkor Park?
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Synopsis
Discover the ongoing restoration of the ninth brick tower of Bakong temple in Cambodia's Angkor Park. With extensive deterioration due to age and climate change, experts are committed to preserving this national treasure for future generations. Learn how their efforts could reshape our cultural heritage!
Key Takeaways
- The ninth brick tower of Bakong temple is undergoing restoration due to significant damage.
- Experts are focusing on reinforcing walls and repairing cracked foundations.
- High-quality new bricks are being used to replace damaged ones.
- The restoration is approximately 35% complete as of now.
- Preservation of the site is crucial for maintaining national heritage.
Phnom Penh, July 14 (NationPress) Archaeologists are diligently working on the restoration of the ninth crumbling brick tower of the Bakong temple located in Cambodia's renowned Angkor Archaeological Park, according to a news release from the APSARA National Authority (ANA) issued on Monday.
The head of the ANA's Rolous Conservation Team, Saray Kimhual, noted that the ninth tower has experienced extensive structural damage, including significant cracks in its foundation and walls, which have created a serious risk for visitors.
"The tower has undergone severe deterioration, with its walls fractured into four large segments," Kimhual explained. "This decay is attributed to its age, exposure to environmental factors, and the impacts of climate change."
To mitigate these concerns, experts are prioritizing the reinforcement of both the western and northern walls, as well as the internal structure with steel supports, as reported by the Xinhua news agency.
The restoration process also involves repairing the foundation and walls that have become cracked and weakened.
"Damaged bricks are being substituted with high-quality new bricks that can provide sufficient support for the structure," he added. "Currently, the restoration work is around 35 percent completed."
Kimhual mentioned that the restoration began in May 2025 and is anticipated to be finalized by the end of this year.
Constructed in the late ninth century by King Indravarman I, the Bakong temple, composed of sandstone and laterite, was the first major mountain temple erected in the UNESCO-listed Angkor Archaeological Park located in the northwest Siem Reap province.
The Bakong temple complex houses a total of 22 brick towers, many of which are in various states of disrepair, as stated by the ANA.
"The ANA is dedicated to the maintenance and preservation of these sites to safeguard national heritage for future generations," the statement read. "To date, experts have successfully restored seven brick towers, alongside a sandstone wall, a lion statue, an elephant statue, boundary stones, and the eastern entrance."
Point of View
It is crucial to recognize the importance of preserving our cultural heritage. The dedicated efforts of archaeologists highlight the need for sustainable practices in heritage restoration, ensuring these sites remain a testament to our history for future generations.
NationPress
14/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current status of the Bakong temple restoration?
The restoration of the ninth brick tower is approximately 35% complete and is expected to be finished by the end of this year.
Why is the Bakong temple significant?
Built in the late ninth century by King Indravarman I, the Bakong temple is the first major mountain temple in the UNESCO-listed Angkor Archaeological Park.
What challenges are faced in restoring the tower?
The tower has suffered significant structural damage due to age, environmental exposure, and climate change, requiring substantial repairs.
How many towers are in the Bakong temple complex?
The Bakong temple complex features a total of 22 brick towers, many of which are in varying states of disrepair.
What measures are being taken to ensure restoration success?
Experts are reinforcing the structure with steel supports and replacing damaged bricks with high-quality materials to ensure longevity.
