Angkor: Celebrating the 25th anniversary of its UNESCO listing

Angkor Wat is expecting more than 3,000 participants this weekend (16/12/2017) to celebrate the 25th anniversary of Angkor’s inscription on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

On this occasion, the UYFC (Union of Youth Federations of Cambodia) and the APSARA Authority are organizing a historic photography event in collaboration with the city of Siem Reap. The celebration will take place on Saturday at Angkor Wat temple and is expected to draw over 3,000 participants.

Angkor listed by UNESCO in 1992

The Angkor site was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List on December 14, 1992. It stands as one of the most important archaeological sites in Southeast Asia. Angkor is dotted with temples, hydraulic structures, and communication routes, forming a complex network that reflects an exceptional civilization. Temples such as Angkor Wat, the Bayon, Preah Khan, and Ta Prohm are prime examples of Khmer architecture.

Angkor is undeniably a major site that perfectly illustrates the cultural, religious, and symbolic values of the country. It is therefore not surprising that the site is considered of great architectural, archaeological, and artistic importance for Cambodia. Since its inscription, UNESCO has faced numerous challenges concerning Angkor, particularly regarding its preservation. With the increase in tourist flow, UNESCO has had to consider better management strategies to protect these precious historical monuments.