PRELIMINARY STUDY OF ANCIENT ARCHITECTURE SITE AN PHU - GIA LAI

Abstract

The An Phu relic, located in Pleiku - Gia Lai, is recognized as an example of Bomong Yang architecture. The Bomong Yang structure consists of a brick tower encircled by walls, positioned on a gently sloping hill that descends towards the expansive Kodo plain. Since 2022, the site has undergone continuous exploration and excavation efforts. The artifacts unearthed at An Phu provide a preliminary evaluation indicating that this was a Buddhist temple tower, dating approximately from the 7th to the 10th century, and it connects with Buddhist relics found along the South Central Coast and the surrounding area. This finding enhances our understanding of the connections between religious architecture in the Central Highlands and sheds light on the history of the emergence and evolution of Buddhism in the Truong Son - Central Highlands region, while also suggesting potential avenues for research into the significance of Buddhism in this area, as well as in the broader Central Highlands and its vicinity.