Burma Pagodas of Bagan

Bagan, formerly Pagan, is an ancient city in the Mandalay Division of central Burma. Formally titled Arimaddanapura (the City of the Enemy Crusher) and also known as Tambadipa (the Land of Copper) or Tassadessa (the Parched Land), it was the ancient capital of several ancient kingdoms in Burma. It is located in the dry central plains of the country, on the eastern bank of the Ayeyarwady River, 90 miles southwest of Mandalay.

UNESCO has unsuccessfully tried to designate Bagan as a World Heritage Site. The Burmese military junta has haphazardly restored ancient stupas, temples and buildings, ignoring original architectural styles and using modern materials that bear no resemblance to the original designs. Likewise, the military junta has established a golf course, a paved highway, and is about to open a 200-foot watchtower in the southeastern suburb of Minnanthu.