Milestones in the process of social mobilization

The project to preserve, restore, and beautify the tomb of Empress Tu Du, Nghi Thien Chuong, is the first project to be funded entirely through social contributions via the Hue Heritage Conservation Fund.

The tomb of Empress Tu Du, also known as Xuong Tho Mausoleum, is part of the Thieu Tri Royal Mausoleum Complex in Thuy Bang commune (Hue City, Thua Thien Hue province) and is the final resting place of Empress Dowager Tu Du (also known as Tu Du).

Empress Dowager Từ Dụ (given name Phạm Thị Hằng) was the eldest daughter of Phạm Đăng Hưng (1764-1825), Minister of Rites and Duke of Đức Quốc. She was born in Sơn Quy hamlet, Tân Niên Đông village, Kiến Hòa district, Định Tường province (now Long Hưng commune, Gò Công town, Tiền Giang province). She was a consort of Emperor Thiệu Trị and the mother of Emperor Tự Đức.

The project to preserve, restore, and beautify the tomb of Empress Nghi Thien Chuong Tu Du is the first project to be entirely funded through social contributions via the Hue Heritage Conservation Fund, and represents a crucial contribution from the Pham Dang family in working alongside the State to preserve, protect, and promote the cultural heritage values ​​of the Hue Imperial Citadel complex.

According to Mr. Hoang Viet Trung, Director of the Hue Imperial City Relics Conservation Center, the project commenced on June 13, 2023. The implementation process is being carried out carefully to ensure that the original elements of the relics are not affected.

The tomb complex of Empress Tu Du, Nghi Thien Chuong, was built in the early 20th century in the west of Hue City, in Cu Chanh village, Thuy Bang commune, Hue City, Thua Thien Hue province.

The tomb of Empress Nghi Thien Chuong Tu Du is located within the overall landscape of Emperor Thieu Tri's mausoleum, with a layout following the "inner chamber, outer sarcophagus" principle. This is also a typical architectural style from the time of the Nguyen lords.

Having existed for over 100 years, although the tomb of Empress Tu Du remains relatively intact overall, the impact of history and unfavorable natural environmental conditions such as intense heat, humidity, and heavy rainfall have significantly affected its preservation.

With the attention and support of relevant authorities, researchers, and those who love Hue, especially the family of Mr. Huynh Van Manh and Ms. Pham Dang Tuy Hoa (representing the Pham Dang family), the project was funded through the Hue Heritage Conservation Fund established by the Government under Decree 84/2022/ND-CP dated October 20, 2022, with a total amount of over 6.8 billion VND and 49 Podocarpus trees.

The project for the preservation, restoration, and embellishment of the tomb of Empress Nghi Thien Chuong Tu Du includes items such as: the main pillar; the Tan Nguyet lake and the drainage system; the courtyard and steps in front of the tomb; the natural courtyard; the gate, the outer wall and the inner wall.

The project was inaugurated on June 7, 2024. The People's Committee of Thua Thien Hue province awarded a Certificate of Commendation from the Chairman of the People's Committee to express gratitude to the Huynh Van Manh and Pham Dang Tuy Hoa family for their dedication to the preservation, restoration, and promotion of the historical value of the Hue Imperial Citadel complex.

According to the Hue Imperial City Relics Conservation Center, Empress Dowager Tu Du (born June 20, 1810 and died May 22, 1901) was a renowned Empress Dowager known for nurturing and imparting valuable lessons on raising her children. Throughout her 78 years by the throne as an advisor, she participated in political discussions, wholeheartedly dedicating herself to the people and the nation, playing a crucial role in the Nguyen Dynasty's political affairs during the first half of the 19th century.

The project to preserve, restore, and beautify the tomb of Empress Tu Du Nghi Thien Chuong has been completed, making a significant contribution to the overall architectural, landscape, and cultural completion of the tomb of King Thieu Tri, befitting its status as a precious cultural asset of humanity, as recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site...

Source: https://www.baogiaothong.vn/cong-trinh-bao-ton-di-tich-lang-mo-hoang-thai-hau-tu-du-dau-an-trong-cong-tac-xa-hoi-hoa-192241128060421561.htm