Burma (Myanmar) Part 1 (of 4): Rangoon (Yangon) Photographed and presented by Jair (Yair) Moreshet, 2011 ( Website: 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 street Café.

A Typical building of the British colonial era – the supreme court. Playing traditional Burmese instruments, in the lobby of an old colonial hotel. A typical Burmese wood curving

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.