Photography Prohibited in Mon Ancient City

Marn, IMNA
January 18, 2006

Tourist and visitors are prohibited from taking photographs of Mon's ancient city wall in Zote Thote village, Belin Township , Mon State . It still houses ancient Mon art.

Even though the military government has ordered not to use the ancient city of Mon Thaton Kingdom, Suvannabhumii as the Mon National Day sign, it will be used in the coming Mon National Day.

The Burmese authorities wanted to lock this symbol because they are worried about new Mon generations; learning about the ancient history of the Mon King, and afraid that Mon history would spread, according to the Central Celebrating Committee of Mon National Day from Moulmein, (CCMND) Mon State.

The ancient city wall is located in Zote Thote (Kwarn- weangka by Mon) west of Belin and is about three miles away. Most people visit the pagoda and try to find about the history of the place.

The ancient wall dates back to BC 1000- AD 1057, but doesn't mention the kingdom that  ruled then. But the lastMon King who ruled was Manuhar king who lost the war with Burmese king, Anawyathar.

Mon villagers from those areas are patriotic and have begun discussions on the celebration with the CCMND in Moulmein .

Even though the real Mon ancient city wall is located in Belin Township in Mon State , Mon people living in lower parts of the state and many Burmans know little about the history.