For lovers of history, the “700 Years of Bonds: Unveiling the Journey of Italians in Myanmar” exhibition in Yangon is offering a rare glimpse into the bilateral relationship.
The free photo exhibition runs 10am-4pm until Sunday at the colonial-era Young Women’s Christian Association (YWCA) Hall on Bogalay Market Street in Botahtaung Township.
The exhibition traces the presence of Italians in the region since Marco Polo’s travels in the 13th century with rare photographs, textiles, maps, newspaper clippings and documents highlighting diplomatic exchanges, trade and religious missions, especially under King Mindon and King Thibaw, the last two Konbaung dynasty monarchs who ruled from 1853-85.
As a UK colony for over a century, international relations have often been viewed through a British lens. This exhibition challenges that perspective by shedding light on interactions with Italy, illustrating how Italians lived and worked in the monarchical Burmese society.
It includes a rare photograph of Paulo Abbona, a Christian missionary and a trusted adviser to Mindon, who helped shape diplomatic missions to Europe and engagement with Queen Victoria.
There is a photograph of the Italian consulate and an image of an Italian man in Burmese dress. Other photos feature Italians at the massive Mingun bell near the royal capital in Mandalay; Italians picnicking with Mandalay residents; Italian missionaries in Shan and Kayah states; and Burmese scholars in Italy.
King Mindon and King Thibaw both employed Italian painters in the royal court.
Engagement with other European countries in the late Konbaung era was one of the factors that drove the British invasion.
The exhibition includes pictures from British rule, including the Italian monk U Lokanatha, who studied Buddhism and introduced Burmese Buddhist teachings to Europe.
Another highlight is Yadana Nat-Mei, a descendant of King Mindon, who married an Italian and previously spent five months married to military dictator General Ne Win. She died in Italy in 2020.
The exhibition offers an insight into diplomatic history, trade, religious missions and cultural interactions with Italy.
