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Battambang

Coordinates: 13°06′N 103°12′E / 13.100°N 103.200°E / 13.100; 103.200
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(Redirected from Batdambang)
For the country subdivisions, see Battambang Municipality and Battambang province.

Battambang
បាត់ដំបង
City
Battambang is located in Cambodia
Battambang
Battambang
Location within Cambodia
Battambang is located in Asia
Battambang
Battambang
Location within Asia
Coordinates: 13°06′N 103°12′E / 13.100°N 103.200°E / 13.100; 103.200
Country Cambodia
ProvinceBattambang
MunicipalityBattambang
Settled11th century
Official1907
Government
 • TypeCity-municipality
Area
+855
 • Total
293 km2 (113 sq mi)
Elevation
39 m (128 ft)
Population
 (2019)[1]
 • Total
119,251
 • Rank3rd
 • Density410/km2 (1,100/sq mi)
Time zoneUTC+7 (ICT)
Area code+855
Websitebattambang.gov.kh
Battambang
Khmer name
Khmerបាត់ដំបង
UNGEGN: Bătdâmbâng
ALA-LC: Pâtṭaṃpang
IPA: [ɓatɗɑmɓɑːŋ]
This article contains Khmer text. Without proper rendering support, you may see question marks, boxes, or other symbols instead of Khmer script.

Battambang (Khmer: បាត់ដំបង, UNGEGN: Bătdâmbâng [ɓatɗɑmɓɑːŋ]) is the capital of Battambang province and the third largest city in Cambodia. The city is situated on the Sangkae River, which winds its way through the province.

Battambang was founded in the 11th century by the Khmer Empire. It later became a major commercial hub and the capital of the Siamese province of Inner Cambodia. It was reintegrated into Cambodia during French colonisation. During the 20th century, Battambang was Cambodia's second largest city, but it was later overtaken by the growth of Siem Reap.[2] It was impacted by conflict and genocide in the 20th century and was a front during the Khmer Rouge insurgency until the 1990s.

Benefitting from the fertile and productive land surrounding it, Battambang has long been heralded for its food, art, and cultural scene, and it has become a tourism destination. Its well-preserved French colonial architecture and other heritage buildings have been the subject of local conservation initiatives. Battambang was recognised as a City of Gastronomy and included in the Creative Cities Network by UNESCO in 2023.

History

[edit]

Battambang was established as a fishing village in the 11th century, centered around the Sangkae River.[3] In 1795, Siam (modern-day Thailand) annexed much of northwestern Cambodia, including the current provinces of Banteay Meanchey, Battambang, Oddar Meanchey, Pailin, and Siem Reap, into the province of Inner Cambodia. The Siamese ruled Battambang as a provincial capital through the Thai-speaking Khmer Abhaiwongse family,[4][3] a branch of the Khmer royal family, which governed for six generations. By 1880, Battambang had emerged as an important trading city with around 2,500 residents, with the river acting as the main transportation link to Phnom Penh and Saigon. Under Thai rule, only one road was built in Battambang, with housing emerging on both sides of it. Other landmarks constructed included a fort where the governor resided, a market, several pagodas and a Catholic hospital.[3]

In 1907, Battambang province was ceded to France to be reunited with Cambodia as part of French Indochina.[5][3] Under the French, an urban layout was developed, which resulted in an enlarged French colonial town. This first attempt at modernization led to well-defined streets laid in a grid pattern, and a series of open canals and bridges, in the area now known as the Heritage Conservation Area. Both riverbanks were linked by the construction of two bridges in 1917.[3] In 1926, a second phase of urban development was implemented focusing on the west of Battambang, with a newly constructed railway linking Battambang to Phnom Penh. Residential villas, the Central Market, and state buildings were also constructed.[3] A subsequent third urban development plan for Battambang involved the north, east, and south of the city.[citation needed]

In 1953, Prince Norodom Sihanouk chose Battambang as the centre of Cambodia's independence movement and spearheaded its modernisation during his leadership of an independent Cambodia.[2] Battambang developed a plan to become an industrial and economic hub for Northeast Cambodia.[3] Battambang was Cambodia's second largest city during the 20th century.[2] Textile and garment factories were built by French and Chinese investors, Battambang Airport was constructed, and the railway line was extended to the Thai border at Poipet. To serve the cultural needs of the population, numerous schools and a university were built, as well as a sports centre, a museum, and an exhibition hall.[3]

Like the rest of Cambodia, life in Battambang was affected by the Cambodian Civil War and subsequent genocide.[6] Developed stalled in Battambang under the Khmer Republic, and it was abandoned altogether during Democratic Kampuchea, with its population forcibly evacuated into labour camps and land tenure was abolished.[3] Battambang Provincial Museum was converted into a prison,[7] and the Phnom Sampeau killing caves, a Khmer Rouge execution site, are located around six kilometres from the city.[8] In 1980 following the Vietnamese invasion, thousands of refugees returned to the city but plans to develop areas of the city could not take place due to lack of investment.[3] The surrounding province remained a stronghold for the Khmer Rouge into the 1990s.[6] Battambang city was besieged by Khmer Rouge guerrillas in 1990, but they failed to capture it.[9] Conflict continued in and around the city until 1997.[6]

Starting in 1989 when private property rights were reintroduced, Battambang began to develop an economy around agricultural products and small businesses emerged.[3] Battambang's municipal government established a Heritage Protection Area in 2009 to protect around 800 historic buildings.[6] Following investment from GIZ, Municipal government's "Master Development Plan 2030" was endorsed by the national government in 2015, making it the only city besides Phnom Penh in Cambodia to have such a plan.[3] In 2022, the Provincial Department of Culture and Fine Arts listed ancient temples, prehistoric sites, colonial buildings, and traditional Khmer houses as buildings under conservation.[10]

Climate

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Landmarks

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Bahá'í House of Worship

Bahá'í House of Worship in Battambang

Around 7 kilometers (4 mi) south of Battambang, in Odambang commune, stands the city's Bahá'í House of Worship. Inaugurated in 2017, the round, nine-sided edifice features a central dome, spire, and winged parapets that are reminiscent of Phnom Penh's Chaktomuk Conference Hall.[12][13]

Baset Temple

Wat Peapahd Temple in Battambang

Built during the reign of King Suryavarman I, between 1036 and 1042, Baset Temple is located in Baset village, Ta Pun commune, about 15 kilometers (9 mi) east of Battambang city. Next to it, there is a pond 20 meters (66 ft) long, 12 meters (39 ft) wide, and 10 meters (33 ft) deep.

Prasat Banan (Phnom Banan)

This temple was first built by King Dharanindravarman II (1050–1066) and assumed its final form during the reign of King Jayavarman VII (1181–1220). It is located on the top of a mountain, approximately 400-meter-high (1,310 ft), in Koh Tey 2 commune, Banan District.

Kamping Puoy Lake

Located between two mountains, at Ta Nget village, Ta Kriem commune, Kamping Puoy lake is 35 kilometers (22 mi) from Battambang. It is 1,900 meters (6,230 ft) wide, 19 kilometers (12 mi) long, and can hold 110,000,000 cubic metres (3.8846×109 cu ft) of water.

Psar Nath

A view of Psar Nath market in May 2000

Psar Nath is Battambang's central market, built in 1937. It was damaged in an electrical fire in 2020.[14]

Ramayana depicted on carvings from the 11th century
Way Domrei Sor ( White elephant pagoda)
Buddhist temple in Battambang

Prasat Snung

Characterized by three separate stupas made of brick, located on a hill 30 meters (98 ft) long and 20 meters (66 ft) wide, Prasat Snung temple is in Snung commune, Banan district, 22 kilometers (14 mi) from the provincial town.

Sek Sak resort

A natural resort popular since before the civil war, Sek Sak lies along the riverbank, with plants, trees, and bamboo stretching 500 meters (1,640 ft). It is located in Treng commune, Rotanak Mondul district, 50 kilometers (31 mi) from Battambang along National Road No 57.

Phnom Sampov

Main articles: Phnom Sampov and Killing caves of Phnom Sampeau

Phnom Sampov is a hill and religious site 12 km from the city, featuring a large bat colony and a Khmer Rouge killing site within its caves.[15]

Wat Ek Phnom

Main article: Wat Ek Phnom

Wat Ek Phnom temple was built in 1027, during the reign of King Suryavarman I (1002–1050). It is located in Peam Aek commune, 14 kilometers (9 mi) from the provincial town.

Economy

[edit]

Battambang's numerous markets within the urban centre have allowed it to function as an economic hub for the province.[3] In 2018, 71.3% of employed people in Battambang worked in services, including agricultural processing, retail, tourism and construction. Agriculture employed 27.2% of employed people in Battambang, and 1.5% worked in crafts.[3] Real estate in Battambang rapidly expanded during the 2010s.[3]

Government

[edit]
Further information: Battambang Municipality

Under the 1993 constitution of modern Cambodia, the urban planning of Battambang is governed national legislation under the Cambodian government, and further by the sub-national Battambang provincial authorities and Battambang Municipality. Under the administrative divisions of Cambodia, the city is further subdivided into 10 sangkats and 62 villages, each with their own local councils.[3] The city's annual budget of US$625,000 from the national government is supplemented by international development funds and private investment, allowing it to construct improved infrastructure such as sewage treatment and roads.[3]

Culture and cuisine

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Battambang has been noted for its longstanding importance as a hub for Cambodian art, music, and culture, with many famous artists and singers born or based in the city.[6][8] The Khmer Rouge era led to the persecution or disappearance of many prominent artists and musicians as well as a decline in the arts scene, but efforts have been made to revitalise it post-conflict.[8] Contemporary Battambang features numerous art galleries and workshops exhibiting local artists and sculptors.[6][8] The cultural non-governmental organization Phare Ponleu Selpak, which provides free arts education and training to young, disadvantaged people, is based in Battambang and also coordinates a contemporary circus.[8][16] Battambang hosts the annual three-day Chumnor Arts Festival, with creative workshops and performances.[8]

The city is also known for its culinary traditions, owing to the fertile agricultural lands of the province.[17] Battambang province is considered the "rice bowl of Cambodia", with the city harbouring a number of rice mills that process rice for national and international markets.[3] Battambang city is famous for its jasmine rice and local dishes, including fried bananas and rice noodles.[17] On 31 October 2023, Battambang was one of 55 cities added to UNESCO's Creative Cities Network, where it was listed as a City of Gastronomy.[18][19] It is the first Cambodian city to join the network.[20] UNESCO recognised Battambang's initiatives in promoting Khmer cuisine and street food, and incorporating culture into urban development.[20]

Transportation

[edit]
Battambang Royal railway station

Battambang is linked via National Highway 5 to Phnom Penh and Bangkok, and is on National Road 57, which connects Battambang to the Thai border via Pailin province.[3]

Battambang has long been connected to Cambodia's rail network, but the system was abandoned during the Khmer Rouge era.[21] Rehabilitation of the railway reconnected Battambang Royal railway station to Serei Saophoan in 2018, with plans to complete the line to connect the city to Phnom Penh.[22]

The Norry, or bamboo train, runs 4 kilometers (2 mi) from Prasat Banan to Chhoeuteal commune. Previously located on actual railway tracks outside the city, the bamboo train was relocated in 2017 to make way for the resumption of railway traffic.[23] The Norry has become a tourist attraction.[21]

Battambang Airport was established in 1968, with a flight connection to Phnom Penh. The airport was closed during the civil war and was later used by the military, before being closed in 1991.[3][24][25] Plans were announced to upgrade it to meet the capacity of Siem Reap Airport in 2019, but these were delayed by the COVID-19 pandemic.[24][25]

There is also a boat connection between Battambang and Siem Reap via the Sangkae River, which takes between six and seven hours.[26][27]

Notable people

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Twin town – sister city

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References

[edit]
  1. ^ "General Population Census of the Kingdom of Cambodia 2019 – Final Results" (PDF). National Institute of Statistics. Ministry of Planning. 26 January 2021. Retrieved 3 February 2021.
  2. ^ a b c "Battambang | City, Geography, History, & Population | Britannica". britannica.com. Retrieved 8 February 2025.
  3. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t Han, Sun Sheng; Lim, Ymeng (1 April 2019). "Battambang City, Cambodia: From a small colonial settlement to an emerging regional centre". Cities. 87: 205–220. doi:10.1016/j.cities.2018.10.003. ISSN 0264-2751.
  4. ^ Goscha, Christopher E. (1999). Thailand and the Southeast Asian Networks of the Vietnamese Revolution, 1885–1954. Surrey, UK: Curzon Press, Nordic Institute of Asian Studies. p. 123. ISBN 0700706224. Retrieved 3 December 2013.
  5. ^ Briggs, Lawrence Palmer (August 1946). "The Treaty of March 23, 1907 between France and Siam and the Return of Battambang and Angkor to Cambodia". The Journal of Asian Studies. 5 (4): 439–454. doi:10.2307/2049791. ISSN 2326-3067. JSTOR 2049791.
  6. ^ a b c d e f Lindt, Naomi (15 December 2011). "A Pocket of the Past in Battambang, Cambodia". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 8 February 2025.
  7. ^ "The Battambang Museum: Preserving Artifacts Through War and Peace". Cambodianess. Retrieved 9 February 2025.
  8. ^ a b c d e f "The transformation of a creative capital". bbc.com. 11 April 2023. Retrieved 8 February 2025.
  9. ^ The Glasgow Herald. The Glasgow Herald.
  10. ^ "Historic building preservation a boon for Battambang history buffs". The Phnom Penh Post. 21 December 2022. Archived from the original on 6 April 2024. Retrieved 9 February 2025.
  11. ^ "Weatherbase: Historical Weather for Batdambang, Cambodia". Weatherbase. 2011. Retrieved on 24 November 2011.
  12. ^ Muong, Vandy. "Baha'i House of Worship emerges in Battambang". The Phnom Penh Post. Retrieved 19 October 2018.
  13. ^ "Spirit and aspirations of a people: Reflections of Temple's architect". Bahá'í World News Service. 31 August 2017. Retrieved 19 October 2018.
  14. ^ "Fire ravages Battambang historic market". Archived from the original on 2 July 2022. Retrieved 9 February 2025.
  15. ^ Horng, Pengly (31 July 2024). "Phnom Sampov: The pearl of Battambang – Khmer Times". Retrieved 9 February 2025.
  16. ^ "Phare Ponleu Selpak". Retrieved 14 January 2015.
  17. ^ a b Dunston, Lara (19 November 2023). "How a sleepy town in Cambodia won a place on Unesco's culinary map". The Observer. ISSN 0029-7712. Retrieved 9 February 2025.
  18. ^ Dunston, Lara (19 November 2023). "How a sleepy town in Cambodia won a place on Unsesco's culinary map". The Observer. ISSN 0029-7712. Retrieved 19 November 2023.
  19. ^ "UNESCO supported Battambang promote Creative Cities Network UCCN". unesco.org. Retrieved 19 June 2023.
  20. ^ a b "Battambang, Cambodia's first UNESCO Creative City, shows what sustainable gastronomy means for Khmer culinary heritage". UNESCO. 19 June 2024.
  21. ^ a b "The end of the famous Bamboo Train?". bbc.com. 25 February 2022. Retrieved 9 February 2025.
  22. ^ "Service opens on restored rails connecting Battambang, Banteay Meanchey". phnompenhpost.com. 30 April 2018. Archived from the original on 30 November 2024. Retrieved 9 February 2025.
  23. ^ "'Bamboo train' back on tracks in Battambang". The Phnom Penh Post. Retrieved 19 October 2018.
  24. ^ a b Sok, Sithika (27 March 2022). "Battambang airport to be upgraded into 4C category". Khmer Times. Retrieved 9 February 2025.
  25. ^ a b "Battambang Airport Upgrade Under Review". Cambodianess. Retrieved 9 February 2025.
  26. ^ Horng, Pengly (28 August 2024). "Battambang-Siem Reap boat service welcomes tourists – Khmer Times". Retrieved 9 February 2025.
  27. ^ "Scenic boat journey from Siem Reap to Battambang". phnompenhpost.com. 7 August 2024. Archived from the original on 18 September 2024. Retrieved 9 February 2025.

Further reading

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  • Analyzing Development Issues Trainees, ADI Team, and Cooperation Committee for Cambodia. Labour Migration to Thailand and the Thai-Cambodian Border Recent Trends in Four Villages of Battambang Province. Small-scale research report. [Phnom Penh?]: Cooperation Committee for Cambodia, 2003.
  • Catalla, Rebecca F. Crossing Borders, Crossing Norms Vulnerability and Coping in Battambang Province. SCVCS report, #5. Phnom Penh, Cambodia: UNICEF/AFSC, 2000. ISBN 0-910082-41-3
  • Kassie, Alebachew, and Nguon Sokunthea. Credit and Landlessness Impact of Credit Access on Landlessness in Cheung Prey and Battambang Districts. Phnom Penh: Oxfam GB Cambodia Land Study Project, 2000.
  • Mourer, Cécile, and Roland Mourer. The Prehistoric Industry of Laang Spean, Province of Battambang, Cambodia. Sydney: Australasian Medical Pub, 1970.
  • Robinson, Court, Suphāng Čhanthawānit, and Lekha Nou. Rupture and Return Repatriation, Displacement, and Reintegration in Battambang Province, Cambodia. Bangkok: the Center, 1994. ISBN 974-631-130-1
  • Grant Ross, Helen. Battambang = Pâtṭaṃpaṅ = Bad Dambaung = Le bâton perdu : histoire d'une ville. Phnom Penh, Cambodge: 3DGraphics Pub, 2003. ISBN 979-96974-4-1 in French and Khmer
  • Tūc, Jhuaṅ. Battambang During the Time of the Lord Governor. Phnom Penh: Cedoreck, 1994.
  • Vinary, Vonn. "All Our Livelihoods Are Dead" Landlessness and Aquatic Resources in Battambang Province. [Phnom Penh]: Oxfam GB Cambodia Land Study Project, 2000.
  • Wallgren, Pia, and Ray Sano. Report on the Reconciliation Areas Based on in-Depth Interviews Conducted in Six Villages in Battambang, Banteay Meanchey and Siem Reap Provinces. Phnom Penh: UNDP/CARERE, 2000.
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Wikimedia Commons has media related to Battambang.
Wikivoyage has a travel guide for Battambang.

13°06′N 103°12′E / 13.100°N 103.200°E / 13.100; 103.200

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