0257 CAMBODIA (Preah Vihear) - Temple of Preah Vihear (UNESCO WHS)

Built by the Khmer between 9th and 12-th centuries, hindu temple of Preah Vihear was designated a world heritage site by UNESCO in 2008. Situated atop Pey Tadi (525m), a steep cliff in the Dângrêk Mountains, practically on the border between Cambodia and Thailand, it belonged successively both countries, during different periods, area being claimed by both countries, in the last hundred years. In 1962 the International Court of Justice in The Hague awarded the temple to Cambodia, but the territorial dispute continued, military actions causing damage to the monument. In 2011, the same international body ordered that both countries immediately withdraw their military forces, and further imposed restrictions on their police forces.

The Temple of Preah Vihear, dedicated to Shiva, an important place of pilgrimage during the Angkorian period, is composed of a series of sanctuaries linked by a system of pavements and staircases over an 800m long axis. The site is exceptional for the quality of its carved stone ornamentation and its architecture, adapted to the natural environment and the religious function of the temple. The earliest surviving parts of the monument date from the early 10th century, and also elements of the Banteay Srei style of the late 10th century can be seen today, but most of the temple was constructed during the reigns of the Khmer kings Suryavarman I (1002–1050) and Suryavarman II (1113–1150). In the wake of the decline of Hinduism in the region, the site was converted to use by Buddhists.

The stamp is part of one of the only two series issued in Cambodia in 2009. Issued on January 7 and entitled The 30th Anniversary of Great Victory Day, this set of 7 stamps commemorates the official ousting of the Khmer Rouge regime on January 7, 1979, when Phnom Penh was taken by soldiers from Vietnam and Cambodia.

sender: Zarah (direct swap)

sent from Phnom Penh (Cambodia), on 04.05.2012