新的發展正威脅著要抹滅這個城市的遺產。
孟加拉的首都達卡的Puran達卡區，是這個城市大部份歷史文化建築的故鄉。但是這個情況可能不會太久了，因為發展者拆除老舊建築，為現代的住宅單位挪出空間。但是一小群建築師團結起來要拯救這個城市的獨特遺產，他們的策略之一就是提供觀光客這個歷史性社區的遊覽。
三個小時的導覽帶領人們穿越有時錯綜複雜的街道，來到歷經好幾世紀的堡壘和殖民的宅第以及陰沉的墓園。現在還可以看到古老Mughal市集的遺跡，顧客可以感受到這個城市過往的情懷，它曾經是富裕印度和亞美尼亞商人充斥的重要貿易據點。
達卡的富裕在18世紀英國人佔領這個區域以後就開始衰敗。衰敗的情形是如此嚴重，以致於在1824年一位前來參訪的英國聖公會主教還形容這個城市為「宏偉廢墟」的故鄉。這些試圖拯救古老建築的建築師並不對他們的機會抱太大的希望。所以想要體驗達卡光輝的過去，你最好早點來。
(Travel) Dhakas Ancient Wealth
New development is threatening to wipe away the citys heritage.
The Puran Dhaka district of Bangladeshs capital, Dhaka, is home to the majority of the citys historic cultural buildings. But that might not be the case for long, as developers tear down old buildings to make room for modern housing units. A small group of architects has teamed up to save the citys unique heritage, though, and one of their tactics is to offer tourists tours of the historical neighborhood.
The three-hour tours lead people through the sometimes labyrinthine streets to centuries-old forts and colonial mansions and to somber cemeteries. The remains of old Mughal bazaars can also be seen, and customers are given a wonderful sense of the citys past as an important trading post filled with wealthy Hindu and Armenian merchants.
Dhakas wealth began to decline when the British took over the region in the 18th Century. The decline was so severe that even back in 1824, a visiting Anglican bishop described the city as a home of magnificent ruins. The architects trying to save the ancient buildings arent hopeful about their chances of success. So to get a taste of Dhakas glorious past, youd best head there soon.
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