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The City
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Yangon is the capital city of Myanmar. It used to be called Rangoon, and the country Burma, by the British. Its history easily goes back to the 1st century, but its most turbulent times have come in the last two centuries.
Colonised by Britain in 1825, the country regained independence in 1948, so for 113 years, the country was under British rule. It is very clear, even today, how much influence the British had in the city of Yangon with the remains of some fine old colonial buildings. Sadly only a few have been maintained, and these are generally now hotels or restaurants.
However, any visitor to Yangon will probably be more interested in the long history of Myanmar that is found at the Shwedagon Pagoda. Dagon was the original name of Yangon and this mighty golden pagoda, is one of the most important Buddhist monuments in the world. It is thought to be situated in the region of 2,500 years old, and has survived earthquakes, occupations and fires. Over the years it has been remodelled, renovated and restored. It is the most magnificent pagoda anyone could ever wish to see, and to some extent, is Yangon.
Colonised by Britain in 1825, the country regained independence in 1948, so for 113 years, the country was under British rule. It is very clear, even today, how much influence the British had in the city of Yangon with the remains of some fine old colonial buildings. Sadly only a few have been maintained, and these are generally now hotels or restaurants.
However, any visitor to Yangon will probably be more interested in the long history of Myanmar that is found at the Shwedagon Pagoda. Dagon was the original name of Yangon and this mighty golden pagoda, is one of the most important Buddhist monuments in the world. It is thought to be situated in the region of 2,500 years old, and has survived earthquakes, occupations and fires. Over the years it has been remodelled, renovated and restored. It is the most magnificent pagoda anyone could ever wish to see, and to some extent, is Yangon.