China helps others restore heritage sites

via The Nation, 12 September 2018: The team from China marks to completion of restorations to the Ta Keo temple in Angkor.

Construction of Ta Keo as a “state temple” began during the reign of Jayavarman V, a ruler during the Khmer Empire (802-1431). Covering 46,000 square meters, the site is generally considered one of the most magnificent temple-mountains in Angkor.The term temple-mountain refers to the style for the construction of state temples during the Khmer Empire, which was influenced by Indian temple architecture.”It’s important evidence showing the transition of architectural styles from the early-stage Angkor sites with typical Hindu characters from India to the later ones featuring local Buddhism,” Yuan said.Ta Keo is also believed to be the first temple built entirely from sandstone in the Khmer Empire.However, when the academy started restoration work, experts had to sift through tens of thousands of fallen stones and largely collapsed halls, corridors and turrets.”We had to find the right stones in the rubble and put them back,” Yuan said. “Everything has to be concise. But restoration is far more than putting the fallen stones back. The bulk of the work is done through detailed research before the engineers start.”

Source: China helps others restore heritage sites