Phnom Penh:If there are no further delays, the Koh Ker temple is poised to be inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in September 2023, as determined by the World Heritage Committee. It had previously faced postponements due to the war crisis between Russia and Ukraine, which disrupted the annual World Heritage proceedings.
Mr. Kong Puthikar, the Director General of the National Authority of Preah Vihear, expressed that he is actively representing Cambodia in pushing for international support for Koh Ker's registration. The aim is to secure its inscription in mid-September 2023, a move that will facilitate the preservation and development of the ancient city of Koh Ker. This inscription serves to pass on this heritage to future generations and to introduce Cambodia's history and renowned name to the world.
Koh Ker is a remote archaeological site in northern Cambodia, situated approximately 120 km from Siem Reap. It served as the ancient capital of the Khmer Empire and has been nominated as a World Heritage Site due to its universal cultural significance. This designation not only highlights Khmer culture but also contributes to the temple's preservation and tourism attraction.
In 2004, the government initially designated an 8,100-hectare area for the Koh Ker temple. Subsequently, international experts assisting with the heritage application recommended that the government issue a new decree, expanding the temple's area to 8,700 hectares, after assessing the resort's potential.
The Koh Ker Temple is located in Srayong Cheung Village, Srayong Commune, Kulen District, Preah Vihear Province, approximately 49 km from Preah Vihear Provincial Town. In 2018, Cambodia conducted a study encompassing Koh Ker, Preah Vihear, and Banteay Chhmar temples in Banteay Meanchey province. The aim was to propose the inclusion of these two temples on the World Heritage List, following Angkor Wat's inscription in 1992, Preah Vihear's in 2008, and the Sambor Prei Kuk temple area's in 2017.
The Koh Ker temple complex site served as the former capital of Chok Korkor during Jayavarman IV's reign in the 10th century (928-942). He relocated the capital from Yasodharapura (Angkor) to Koh Ker after assuming the throne from his nephew, King Sovarman II, who ruled in Angkor. The temple's architecture is characterized by the distinctive pyramid-like style of Koh Ker.
