Angkor Wat, the largest religious monument in the world and Cambodia’s pride, was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1992. But while the world marvels at its grandeur and history, the local communities who have lived there for centuries are fighting for survival. The Cambodian government is accused of forcibly evicting thousands of people from Angkor’s traditional communities, claiming they had illegally settled the area. The locals say their ancestors have lived there for generations and are the very foundation of this sacred site, while the government insists all relocations were voluntary. This battle for the soul of Angkor Wat reveals the dark side of cultural heritage preservation, where human rights are sacrificed on the altar of tourism and state interests. Is this the price we must pay to protect one of the world’s most important sanctuaries? Or is it just another example of power and politics trampling ordinary people? Follow Al Jazeera for details and the ongoing drama unfolding in the heart of Cambodia.
