Deputy Minister for Hotels, Tourism and Culture U Aye Tun inspected the conservation and restoration of historical sites in Toungoo yesterday morning.
He first examined the maintenance of the city walls, moat, earthen embankments, and gate structures of the ancient Ketumati city, including the Myolay fortress, Yodaya Gate, and sections from the Yan Aung Myin Gate to the northwestern corner. He also reviewed arrangements made between the city walls and moat for public recreation and exercise, as well as plans to construct a modern bridge at the archival gate crossing using Toungoo-era architectural designs.
The Deputy Minister inspected archaeological excavation findings, such as brick structures, flooring, roof tiles, and iron artefacts, and instructed officials to ensure their systematic preservation. He continued his inspection of the Sin Gate and Thityin Gate on the western wall, as well as conservation work at brick monasteries and religious buildings in nearby villages.
During the inspection, he directed officials from the Department of Archaeology and National Museum to continue uncovering and preserving cultural heritage sites with funds allocated by the Bago Region Government, while also maintaining a clean environment and linking heritage conservation with tourism development in cooperation with relevant organizations.
Ketumati Royal Palace was established in 1510 by King Mingyi Nyo and is recognized as a historically significant city that contributed to the establishment of the Second Myanmar Empire.
The Deputy Minister then travelled to Bago and, in the afternoon, inspected conservation work at the ancient Hanthawady city. He reviewed the restoration of city walls and moats at the Hsenwi Gate, Inwa Gate, and other sections, as well as public recreational areas integrated with heritage sites from the Hanthawady and Toungoo periods.
He also inspected conservation work at Yodaya Gate on the northern wall and the Zinmè and Mogaung gates on the southern wall. These works were carried out with funding from the Bago Region Government. The Deputy Minister emphasized the importance of long-term preservation, environmental cleanliness, and cooperation among relevant departments to promote cultural tourism.
Bago is home to the historic Hanthawady capital, where Queen Shin Saw Pu and King Dhammazedi once ruled, as well as the Kanbawzathadi Palace, rebuilt in 1553 by King Bayintnaung. During his reign, the powerful Toungoo Empire was consolidated, making Kanbawzathadi an important administrative centre of the Second Myanmar Empire. — Zaw Ko Ko (Toungoo)/KZL