Since we are in 2017, what made you keep up with 2016 in the world of Khmer culture?
Cambodia scored multiple cultural moments and achievements in the year 2016, testament to the Kingdom's long historical narrative and cultural transformation; a journey that continues till this day with significant overtones on culture preservation and innovation. Last year we had important discoveries in archeology, a significant inroad in the celebration of Khmer culture and much more to languages and the arts in 2016.
Most Important Historical Conclusions
Another major archaeological revelation in 2016 came in the form of the finding of lost medieval cities under dense Cambodian jungle near Angkor Wat, the largest religious structure in the world. The airborne LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) was able to map the cities, which are older than the famous temple complex, using the groundbreaking technology. As well, the find shone a light on the history and glory of the Khmer civilization, and garnered international acclaim while presenting evidence for the advanced architectural and cultural life of Khmer society of yore.
Improvements to Angkor Wat Festival
The Angkor Wat International Film Festival for 2016 extended its international boundaries and introduced new features having assembled another impressive lineup of films to its annual showcase for films that support environmental conservation and cultural heritage! Apart from raising international awareness about the global environment, the festival became a showcase for local and international films, with many focusing on the preservation of our very own cultural wealth making the film festival as one of the cultural events of Cambodia.
Cultural Preservation Efforts
In 2016, the Cambodian government initiated more partnerships to protect its cultural heritage. These included efforts to repair many historical sites and efforts to promote Cambodian traditional arts such as Khmer classical dance and music that are intertwined with Cambodia's cultural identity. These gestures were primarily made to rejuvenate traditions that were forgotten in a period of political turmoil.
Innovations in Modern Art
Meanwhile, interest and participation from young Cambodian artists has been building for important events in the local contemporary art scene, with 2016 showing the strongest growth to date. This enabled new galleries and art spaces to come into existence, which made place for upcoming artists. Along with traditional arts, the spotlight was shown on contemporary movement and installations that depict the contemporary Cambodian social and political structure.
Recognition of Khmer Cuisine
Also a craic of the year when Khmer cuisine got more highlighted in the international arenas. The country hopes to draw more culinary tourists although local chefs have been working to perfect — and promote — traditional dishes. International food festivals ‘Introducing Khmer fareh Khmer fermer the bounties of Cambodian agricultural heritage’Against the backdrop of a nation whose roots lie in an agricultural landscape, one of the biennale projects we undertook commemorated Khmer cuisine in the form of a showcase of Khmer fare made from a tableau of Khmer ingredients.
Educational Developments
A milestone this year was in cultural education, with the launch of additional educational programs for young Cambodian students on the historical achievements and cultural heritage of Cambodia. Secondary universities made their enterprises more far reaching and joined Khmer history, expressions, and writing.
More detailsThe behaviour arts as a tanking to the holidays.Number of this cultural element evidenced during the Khmer New YearCharCode FeaturesFurther reading faithful: Send and Treat: Khmer New 2016
Conclusion
2016 was an exciting year of re-discovery, celebration, and preservation of Khmer culture. These touchstones did not only diversify the cultural topography of Cambodia, it also cemented the link between Cambodian legacies and its modernized self; thus, trudging a path toward a time where both tradition and modernization live side by side in peace!