ST 8 July 2007
New 'wonders of the world' named after online poll
LISBON - The Great Wall of China, Petra in Jordan and Brazil's
statue of Christ the Redeemer are among the modern-day seven
wonders of the world chosen in a poll of 100 million online voters,
organisers said on Saturday.
The other four are Peru's Machu Picchu, the mountain settlement
that symbolises the Incan empire, Mexico's Mayan ruins at Chichen
Itza, the Colosseum in Rome and the Taj Mahal in India.
The seven winners were announced at a glitzy show at Portugal's
Benfica stadium following what is likely to be the biggest ever
online poll at www.new7wonders.com.
'Never before in history have so many people participated in a
global decision,' said actress Hilary Swank at the
presentation.
The New 7 Wonders of the World organisers say the contest was a
chance to level the global cultural playing field and recognise the
achievements of societies outside Europe and the Middle East.
The traditional 'seven wonders of the world' all existed more than
2,000 years ago and were all in the Mediterranean region. Only one
remains standing today - the Pyramids of Giza.
The originals were selected by one man, believed by many to be
ancient Greek writer Antipater of Sidon.
The New 7 Wonders of the World organisers say the contest was a
chance to level the global cultural playing field and recognise the
achievements of societies outside Europe and the Middle East.
Only one European site, the Colosseum, was picked. The Eiffel Tower
and the Acropolis had also been contenders.
'I am happy that for the first time in history the world was able
to vote and decide,' said Mr Jose Freitas do Amaral, commissioner
of the New 7 Wonders of the World and Portugal's former foreign
minister.
Glitzy presentation
Many Portuguese enjoying the glitzy presentation, which included
break-dancing and singing by tenor Jose Carreras and pop star
Jennifer Lopez, backed the choice of new wonders.
'I think this event is very important. It's important to give a
chance to other historical monuments,' said 60-year-old Ivone
Caroca.
At Chichen Itza, one of the three winning sites in Latin America,
thousands of people cheered and applauded when the Mexican site was
selected.
'This archaeological recognition is a great achievement for the
whole country,' said Mr Alberto Jimenez, a 26-year-old engineering
student, jumping with joy in Mexico's national green soccer
shirt.
Some critics, including the United Nations Educational, Scientific
and Cultural Organization (Unesco), have said wonders of the world
should not be chosen in a popular vote.
In the Lisbon audience, 62-year-old Antonio Catarino was upset
because no Catholic cathedrals or churches were included.
'I find it unforgivable that there aren't any in the voting,' he
said.
The New 7 Wonders organisation, established by Swiss-Canadian
adventurer Bernard Weber, will use half its revenues to fund
restoration efforts worldwide, including recreating the Bamiyan
Buddha statue in Afghanistan. -- REUTERS
