The National Archaeological Conference organized by the Institute of Archaeology (November 13th & 14th) took place shortly after the Vuon Chuoi archaeological site in Hoai Duc commune, Hanoi, was classified as a city-level cultural heritage site. This has led many to continue to harbor hope regarding the importance of identifying historical sites in the area.
Better late than never.
The Vuon Chuoi archaeological site (Hoai Duc commune, Hanoi) was discovered in 1969 and has undergone 11 excavations.
According to archaeologist Dr. Nguyen Thi Hau, the Vuon Chuoi site has an extremely rare and valuable historical and cultural significance, arguably unique in Hanoi.
The relics and artifacts recovered during the explorations and excavations have clearly demonstrated the habitation, daily life, and production of various crafts such as bronze casting, stone carving, woodworking, pottery, weaving, and textile making by the ancient community of the Vuon Chuoi archaeological site over many historical periods.
The Vuon Chuoi site is also one of the very few sites that show continuous development across multiple archaeological cultures from Dong Dau - Go Mun - Dong Son. This is also the assessment of the Hanoi Museum in its application for site classification, stating that Vuon Chuoi is a typical archaeological site of the Metal Age in Hanoi and Northern Vietnam.
In 2019, scientists from the Institute of Archaeology and related units compiled a dossier to submit to the authorities for the classification of the Banana Garden area as a historical site. However, to date, the Banana Garden has only been classified as a city-level historical site.
Meanwhile, the Bau Du archaeological site (Phu Trung village, Tam Xuan commune), despite being highly valued by researchers for its historical and cultural significance, has not yet been officially classified as a historical site.
Bau Du was first explored and excavated in the 1980s. At that time, archaeologists discovered stone tools and traces of ancient human habitation. They identified Bau Du as an important site belonging to the early Neolithic period, known as the scallop dune culture.
Associate Professor Dr. Nguyen Lan Cuong, a leading anthropologist in Vietnam, who participated in the reconstruction of the remains of ancient people in Bau Du, also believes that ancient Vietnamese people lived there approximately 6,000 years ago.
However, despite possessing such valuable historical treasures beneath its surface, Bau Du has not yet been classified as a historical site. According to an official from the Da Nang Museum, Branch 2, because Bau Du is located within residential land, it is difficult to clear the area and create a historical site dossier. Fortunately, although not yet officially classified, Bau Du has been included in the list of registered historical sites for protection during the 2024-2029 period.
Preserving and promoting heritage
The people of Da Nang are eagerly awaiting to see the "new look" of Dien Hai Fortress - a special national monument in the heart of the city - as it enters a large-scale restoration phase, after years of preparing scientific documentation, holding workshops, and consulting with experts.
According to Mr. Huynh Dinh Quoc Thien, Director of the Da Nang Museum, in the first archaeological excavation project of Dien Hai Citadel, the Da Nang cultural sector conducted a survey and re-exploration of the entire citadel and moat area, clearly defining the perimeter of each foundation built during the Minh Menh era, identifying the basis for reconstructing the structures, and determining the precise locations for the entire citadel structure and architecture, thus setting out requirements for further research.
In Phase 1, in 2018, the project primarily focused on relocating residents, demolishing inappropriate structures, restoring the city walls and moats, and improving the landscape.
Phase 2 will involve a major restoration and reconstruction of the interior of the ancient citadel, recreating many important structures that existed nearly 200 years ago, such as the eastern gate, the wooden bridge at the western gate, and the majestic flagpole in the south - symbols of former military power.
Currently, Da Nang city has 6 special national monuments, 84 national monuments, and 475 city-level monuments. With such a large number of monuments, the issue of preservation faces many challenges.
Currently, the city is soliciting feedback on the draft regulations for the management, protection, and promotion of cultural heritage values in the area, developed by the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism. This is considered a "legal framework" in the urbanization process to resolve the conflict between preserving heritage and developing the economy and infrastructure.
Source: https://baodanang.vn/can-som-dinh-danh-di-tich-3310004.html
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