Karaweik

The word karaweik comes from Pali karavika (ကရဝီက), which is a mythical bird with a melodious cry.

The structure commissioned by General Ne Win, who was inspired by a Burmese pavilion displayed at the Expo '70 in Osaka, which in turn was modeled after the Pyigyimon royal barge used by Mandalay’s royal court.^[1]

The barge was designed by Burmese architect U Ngwe Hlaing, designed to appear as if floating on the lake’s surface, with an ornate design featuring mythical karaweik birds at the bow and a seven-tiered pyatthat roof reflecting traditional Burmese architecture.^[1] The barge was constructed as a two-storied construction of concrete and stucco, reinforced by iron rods, with a pyatthat-topped roof, two reception halls and a conference room.^[2] Construction began in June 1972 and it was finished in October 1974.^[3][4]

During the 8888 Uprising, it was a safe haven for monks from nearby monasteries.^[1] Managed by the Ministry of Trade until the 1990s, it was later leased to a private operator.^[1]