A commemorative Blue Plaque was unveiled on December 21 at the Maha Bandoola Park, located between the Maha Bandoola Road and Merchant Street. The park is one of the sites which has history links to the city and also important to the residents. It is adjacent to the famous Sule Pagoda and opposite of the Yangon City hall. The park has always been a venue for cultural performances and public gatherings. It is also associated with political movement since the colonial times. National leaders, including General Aung San, campaigned in the park for the independence from the British. When the British planned the city in 1852, the site was left vacant and was then known as the Tank Square. In 1867-68, the swampy square was levelled and laid out as a public recreation ground. It was named Fytche Square after the Chief Commissioner of the British Crown Colony of Burma at the time.
The park was redesigned in 2012 and Yangon City Development Council should be commended for the renovation. Royal Phillips Corporation has since installed modern lighting fixtures in the park. The park entrance fees were no longer collected and much-needed children playground was added. The park has become a popular destination for international visitors and city residents alike.
The commemorative Blue Plaques are a part of Yangon Heritage Trust’s (YHT) efforts to highlight historical buildings and renowned residents who contributed to the narrative of the city. The plaques, in both Burmese and English, will draw attention to both the known and forgotten histories of the city, serving as a reminder for the city’s residents and providing interpretive signage for visitors. With their direct appeal to the public, the introduction of blue plaques will make Yangon’s rich history accessible to people of all ages and backgrounds.
This is the tenth Blue Plaques that the Yangon Heritage Trust has unveiled in the city. The first plaque was installed in mid-August, 2014 at City Hall. The other sites that received Blue Plaque commemoration include Governal Central Press, Myanma Agricultural Development Bank, General Post Office, Central Fire Station, the Armenian Church and headquarters of AYA Bank.
The Royal Philips Corporation has partnered with YHT to honor key sites throughout Yangon by providing funding for historical research, manufacturing, and installation of the plaques. Royal Philips agreed to contribute US$ 75,000 for the Yangon Blue Plaques initiative. Aside from the highlighting key cultural heritage locations, the contribution will also support the research and curation of historical sites, and creation and installation of Blue Plaques that will share the historical relevance and background of notable people and places across the city.
Yangon Heritage Trust is an independent centre of excellence working to promote and integrate Yangon’s unique urban heritage into a 21st century vision of Yangon as one of Asia’s most liveable cities. Yangon Heritage Trust advocates for heritage protection, develops clear and sustainable policy options, engages with government, business and civil society, communicates its ideas to the widest possible audience, undertakes specific conservation projects, and facilitates research and training.
