Cambodians from all walks of life this morning joined the nationwide celebrations of the listing of Koh Ker archaeological site as a World Heritage Site.

All ministries and state institutions, and national and sub-national administrations, separately held the celebrations which included respecting the flag by singing the national anthem, reading the Prime Minister’s message on the inscription of Koh Ker archaeological site on the World Heritage List, speeches, drum and gong beating, and so on.

Besides, Buddhist monks at their respective pagodas throughout the country beat gongs and drums and rang bells at 7:00 am sharp.

Koh Ker archaeological site was listed as a UNESCO’s World Heritage Site during the 45th session of the World Heritage Committee held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on Sept. 17, after the Royal Government of Cambodia formally summited its request for the registration since January 2021. Koh Ker or Chok Gargyar, as it is known in Old Khmer inscriptions, is a 10th-century temple complex and former capital of the Khmer Empire, situated in Preah Vihear, a northern part of Cambodia.

The densely forested site containing a total of 169 archaeological remains, including 76 temples, as well as civil structures, ponds, dykes, and ancient roads, is located centrally between three other Cambodian World Heritage Sites – Preah Vihear, Angkor, and Sambor Prei Kuk.

Cambodia has so far registered Angkor Archaeological Site, Preah Reach Troap Dance (Royal Ballet); Lakhon Sbek Thom (big shadow puppet); the 11th-century Preah Vihear Temple; Teanh Prot (tug-of-war), a popular recreational game; Chapei Dang Veng (a Cambodian two-stringed, long-necked guitar); Sambor Prei Kuk temple complex; Lkhon Khol Wat Svay; and Kun Lbokator on the World Heritage List. AKP