Transcript Slide 1

Burma (Myanmar)
Part 1 (of 4):
Rangoon (Yangon)
Photographed and presented by Jair (Yair) Moreshet, 2011
( Website: www.Jair-Moreshet.com Email: [email protected] )
Music :
Traditional Burmese
Burma (Myanmar) is home to some of the major civilizations of
South-East Asia.
In 1057, the king of the Bagan Empire adopted Buddhism.
Burma today is probably one of the "most Buddhist" countries.
In the 19th century, Burma attacked its neighbor - the British
colonial India. Losing the war, Burma came also under British
colonial rule. - The colonial rule brought several enduring
social, economic, cultural and administrative changes.
During World War II, Burma was a major arena in between the
British and the Japanese.
Since independence in 1948, the country has been in one of
the longest civil wars among the country's myriad ethnic groups.
From 1962 to 2011, the country was under military rule.
Though Burma is rich in resources, since 1962 the Burmese
economy has become one of the least developed in the world.
Rangoon (Yangon) is Burma's largest city and
has been the official capital until recently.
The single scene representing Rangoon probably the best is this typical entrance to a
Burmese pagoda combined to the lush green seen in the background.
The many Burma Buddhist monks are venerated throughout the country.
Many young children are grown to become monks.
A Typical building of
the British colonial era
– the supreme court.
A typical Burmese
wood curving
Playing traditional
Burmese instruments,
in the lobby of an old
colonial hotel.
The entrance to the Temple of the Giant Reclining Buddha.
Country pilgrims to the Temple of the Giant Reclining Buddha.
The legendary Shwedagon Pagoda, - street level entrance.
Shwedagon Pagoda, - the covered stairs from the street level entrance up the hill.
Shwedagon Pagoda, a true wonder of the world, was built about 1500 years ago. The main stupa is covered by 50 metric tons
of genuine solid gold and tipped with 5,448 diamonds and 2,317 rubies. At the very top is a 76 carat (15 g) diamond. The
main stupa is surrounded by many donated Buddha images, ornate structures, and tile walkways, a really magnificent site.
Shwedagon Pagoda: Dedicated binoculars for watching the jewels at the
tip of the main stupa. (A glass box for contributions on the side.)
Shwedagon Pagoda, the cleaning squad
Shwedagon Pagoda, special ceremony corners.
Shwedagon Pagoda: International pilgrim groups.
Shwedagon Pagoda, souvenir shop for the pilgrims…
The Maha Wizaya Pagoda, one of many, just across from the Shwedagon Pagoda.
The Karaweik, a "floating" palace on the Kandawgyi Lake, is a replica of a Burmese
royal barge. It houses today a buffet restaurant.