Preservation of cultural heritage in Tibet : situation and future prospects of the Tholing Monastery

Abstract

espanolEl Monasterio de Tholing es uno de los monumentos religiosos mas importantes del oeste del Tibet; sus murales muestran el mayor logro artistico de los tibetanos en el contexto cultural y estetico en los dos periodos diferentes de la historia tibetana. Este estudio presenta, en primer lugar, el contexto historico de este monumento, indicando su importancia en el desarrollo de la historia tibetana; en segundo lugar, el valor historico y artistico de los murales del Monasterio de Tholing. Se considera que este importante y valioso monumento debe contar con mayor atencion para su investigacion y preservacion; y ademas, que cumple con los requisitos correspondientes para ser incluido en la Lista de Patrimonio Mundial de la UNESCO. La informacion y promocion sobre este monumento beneficia la industria turistica de la zona. EnglishTholing Monastery is one of the most important religious monuments in western Tibet, and its murals showthe greatest artistic achievement of the Tibetans in the cultural and aesthetic context in the two different periodsof Tibetan history. This article first introduces the historical context of this monument, indicating its importancein the development of Tibetan history. Secondly, both the historical and artistic value of the murals of theTholing Monastery are explained and it is suggested that this monument deserves more attention in preservationand research, and should be included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. Finally, it is considered that thetourist use of the Tholing Monasteries and its Buddhist frescoes could contribute in the future to promote thetourism industry in that area.