Iwami Ginzan Silver Mine facts for kids
| UNESCO World Heritage Site | |
|---|---|
Kamaya Mabu Mine Shaft
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| Location | Ōda, Shimane Prefecture, Japan |
| Part of | Iwami Ginzan Silver Mine and its Cultural Landscape |
| Criteria | Cultural: (ii), (iii), (v) |
| Inscription | 2007 (31st Session) |
| Extensions | 2010 |
| Area | 317.08 ha (783.5 acres) |
The Iwami Ginzan (which means "Silver Mountain of Iwami" in Japanese) was once a very important silver mine in Japan. It was located in the city of Ōda, in Shimane Prefecture. This mine was the biggest silver mine in all of Japanese history!
Iwami Ginzan was active for a long time, nearly 400 years. It started in 1526 and finally closed in 1923. Today, you can visit the mine as an open-air museum. It was recognized as a World Heritage Site in 2007 because of its historical importance.
Contents
History of the Mine
A Japanese merchant named Kamiya Jutei started the Iwami Ginzan mine in 1526. It quickly became very successful. By the early 1600s, the mine was producing a huge amount of silver.
About 38 tons of silver were mined each year. This was a massive amount of silver. In fact, it was about one-third of all the silver produced in the entire world at that time!
Control of the Mine
Powerful Japanese leaders, called Warlords, often fought over who would control the mine. This was because silver was so valuable. In 1600, the Tokugawa Shogunate took control of the mine. The Shogunate was the military government of Japan at the time.
They took control after a big battle called the Battle of Sekigahara. To protect the mine, Yamabuki Castle was built right in the middle of the mining area.
Mine's Decline and Closure
In the 1800s, the mine started to produce less silver. It became harder for Iwami Ginzan to compete with newer mines. Because of this, the mine eventually closed down in 1923.
Iwami Ginzan's Role in Trade
Iwami Ginzan Silver Mine was very important for trade in East Asia. This was because silver was used as the main type of money. The silver from Iwami Ginzan was known for being very pure and high quality.
From the 1600s onwards, coins made from this silver were used in Japan. They were also used for trading with other countries. These countries included China, Portugal, and the Netherlands. The mine helped Japan connect with the rest of the world through trade.
Becoming a World Heritage Site
In 1969, the Japanese Government recognized the mining town. They named it a Special Preservation District for Groups of Historic Buildings. This meant the area was protected because of its important history.
Later, the government asked for the mine to become a World Heritage Site. A World Heritage Site is a place that has special cultural or natural importance to all of humanity. In July 2007, the application was successful. Even though the International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS) had some questions, the site was still recognized for its value.
Images for kids
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Iwami Ginzan Silver Mine: Shimizudani refinery ruins
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The Daikansho site, which are the ruins of the Oomori prefectural governor's office.
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The House of the Kumagai Family, a historic home in the area.
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The Iwami Ginzan World Heritage Center, where visitors can learn more.
See also
In Spanish: Minas de plata de Iwami Ginzan para niños
