Sophia Asia Center
for Research and Human Development Projects
|
Sophia
University Angkor International Mission /
Sophia Asia Center for Research and Human Development,
Sophia University, Tokyo, Japan
Prof. Dr. Yoshiaki
ISHIZAWA,
Leader of Sophia Mission, Director of the Center and
President of Sophia University |
Sophia University’s Human Resources Training in Cambodia
Cooperating with the Cambodian government since 1980, Sophia
University began its activities full scale in 1982 with
preservation, restoration and investigation to save cultural
monuments such as Angkor Wat, which had been abandoned due
to civil and internal confusion. In 1991 Banteay Kdei temple,
located 6 km northeast of Angkor Wat, was selected as a
training site to start a project for talented Cambodians
to be monument conservators. The first training program
with 30 students of RUFA (Royal University of Fine Arts,
Phnom Penh) was held in March 1991 for two weeks at the
campus of RUFA and at the site in Angkor. The reason that
lectures on Khmer culture were made compulsory sprang from
the desire to see personnel involved in preservation and
restoration activities obtain a basic knowledge of such
matters. The most important goal is the preservation and
restoration of Cambodian heritage carried out by the people
of Cambodia for the people of Cambodia. After three or four
years of local training, conservator candidates who have
graduated from RUFA are giving the chance to study abroad
at Sophia and other universities in Japan. By the year 2004,
there were four graduates with doctor’s degrees and
four with master’s degrees and the number is increasing.
The training of Cambodian stone masons also continues on
the Angkor Wat western causeway.
Angkor Wat Restoration Project
for the Western Causeway:
Who is working on the project?
Among the various kinds of projects for the cultural heritage
of Cambodia by Sophia University, the restoration project
for the western causeway of Angkor Wat is the biggest and
most important one. Under the overall direction of APSARA
Authority, this project has been carried out by the following
Japanese professionals and young Cambodian experts of architecture.
The project also has around 50 stone masons and workers
who play an important role in the restoration going ahead.
Members
Dr. Yoshiaki ISHIZAWA, Project Director
Dr. Masao KATAGIRI, Leader of Committee for the Restoration
of Angkor Wat, Nihon University, Tokyo
Mr. Takayuki KOSUGI, Stonemason
Mr. Satoru MIWA, Site Manager and Research Fellow of Institute
of Asian Cultures, Sophia University
Cambodian Experts of Architecture: Mr. MAO Sokny, Mr. PHOU
Sochea, Mr. SAM Peou
Leader of Stonemason: Mr. HAU Tuy
Duration and Goal of the Project
The project has started in 1995 with the investigation of
the current situation before its dismantlement. Based on
the discussion of the plan of the restoration, the site
was divided into three areas, Area 1 to 3. |
