According to Associate Professor Dr. Tong Trung Tin of the Vietnam Archaeological Association, since 2011, the Thang Long - Hanoi Heritage Conservation Center, in collaboration with the Institute of Archaeology, has conducted excavations and research in the central area of ​​the heritage site, covering a total area of ​​8,440 m2. Archaeological excavations in the Thang Long Imperial Citadel and the central area of ​​the Thang Long Imperial Citadel have uncovered a vast system of historical relics and artifacts, providing typical and authentic evidence of the continuous development of Thang Long's history and culture, and Vietnamese history and culture, over more than 1000 years, from the pre-Thang Long period to the Thang Long periods of the Ly, Tran, Early Le, Mac, Later Le, Tay Son, and Nguyen dynasties, and up to the modern and contemporary periods. "The excavations have yielded tremendous results in understanding the values ​​of the Thang Long Imperial Citadel World Heritage Site; at the same time, they have obtained many new and highly authentic documents, contributing to the research and restoration of the Kinh Thien Palace," affirmed Associate Professor Dr. Tong Trung Tin.
Archaeological excavations in the Thang Long Imperial Citadel area and the central area of ​​the Thang Long Royal Citadel have uncovered a vast system of historical relics and artifacts. (Photo: HT)

According to Dr. Nguyen Van Son of the Hanoi Historical Society, in his research on the Kinh Thien Palace during the Le Dynasty, the Kinh Thien Palace was the most important architectural structure of Thang Long during the early Le, Mac, and later Le dynasties. It was built in 1428 during the reign of Emperor Le Thai To, and served as the seat of the Emperor of Dai Viet. Here, the Emperor held major court ceremonies such as the coronation, court sessions, discussions on national affairs, the imperial examinations, declarations of victory, and reception of foreign envoys. Therefore, the Kinh Thien Palace was the highest symbol of national power in Dai Viet throughout four centuries (15th - 18th).

Through the vicissitudes of history, the architecture was completely destroyed, leaving only a foundation more than 2 meters high and two sets of stone balustrades at the central south and northwest corners. Surveys and excavations at this site from 2011 to the present have opened up new insights into the Kính Thiên Main Hall and its space through the system of relics and artifacts. However, the floor plan and spatial layout of the Kính Thiên Hall remain a major question without a satisfactory answer. To obtain the data for the reconstruction of the Kính Thiên Hall, Dr. Nguyen Van Son believes that research needs to be intensified in all fields: archaeology, history, architecture, fine arts, etc. First and foremost, it is necessary to clarify the scale and structure of the main hall, by forming specialized research groups including: form and design, materials and textures, usage and function, tradition and techniques, location and construction site, spirit and expression, and other factors inside and outside the heritage. The results of this research will allow us to reconstruct the artistic, historical, social, and scientific dimensions of the Kính Thiên Palace. Preserving and promoting heritage values: Sharing experiences in restoring architecture from archaeological sites, Professor Ueno Kunikazu (Nara Women's University - Japan) introduced several typical architectural works from the 8th and 9th centuries that have been successfully restored in Japan, such as Suzaku-mom (main gate), Daigoku-sen (main hall), and Tou-in (the eastern garden in "Heijou-Kyu": Nara Palace site). He stated that during the research process, they created models at a scale of 1/50 to 1/100. They also checked various issues during the restoration process. When welcoming the public to visit the restored structure, we must pay attention to at least two issues: safety and the preservation of original artifacts. Safety, in this context, means that after the reconstruction is complete, people will be able to visit the site. We need to establish safety in reconstructed structures. Preserving archaeological sites means that reconstructed structures must never destroy the original valuable artifacts.
Some artifacts were found during excavations at Thang Long Imperial Citadel. (Photo: HT)

Suggesting models and spatial planning for archaeological and architectural exhibitions at the Thang Long Imperial Citadel heritage site, and highlighting opportunities for cooperation between Hanoi and the Ile de France region of France, Emmanuel Cerise, Director of PRX Vietnam in Hanoi, stated that the Ile de France region, together with PRX-Vietnam, can support the connection of Hanoi's historical sites with heritage sites in the Ile de France region; building cooperation for exchange and technical support.

Emmanuel proposed the Saint-Denis archaeological site model (Ile de France) as an integrated archaeological site model within urban regeneration projects, using landscape and urban design to preserve heritage and showcase historical traces of the past. The St. Laurent and the Congregation of the Priests in Aosta (Italy) are examples of long-term management of urban archaeological sites for historical, cultural, and tourism purposes. Among the archaeological sites in the Ile de France region, some are located in urban areas, such as the cities of Lutèce (Roman period) or Cluny (Medieval period), while others are in suburban or rural areas, such as the Gallo-Roan Heritage Site of Vaux de la Celle (Genainville). From this, the scientist suggested that the Ile de France region, together with PRX-Vietnam, could support the connection between the historical sites of Hanoi and the heritage sites in the Ile de France region. Building cooperation, exchange, and technical support is crucial. Examples include the collaboration between the medieval town of Provins and the Hanoi Citadel, and the support from the French Ministry of Culture in training and developing French-speaking staff working at historical sites. Regarding the preservation and promotion of the Thang Long Imperial Citadel heritage, Dr. Nguyen Viet Chuc, former Vice Chairman of the National Assembly's Committee on Culture and Education , stated that preserving and promoting heritage values ​​is essential for all heritage sites, especially the Thang Long Imperial Citadel, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Over the past years, the Thang Long - Hanoi Heritage Conservation Center has made significant efforts in preserving and promoting the heritage. However, the preservation and promotion of archaeological findings over the years presents challenges that need to be addressed alongside expanding archaeological research. To enhance the effectiveness of preserving and promoting the value of Thang Long Imperial Citadel heritage under current conditions, Dr. Nguyen Viet Chuc suggested several solutions. These include: the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and Hanoi city agreeing to submit to UNESCO a proposal for the selective preservation of specific structures within Thang Long Imperial Citadel; developing an archaeological program, while simultaneously preserving and promoting archaeological sites in the coming years; implementing digital technology in the preservation and promotion of the Imperial Citadel heritage; conducting research on the value of intangible heritage; and learning from the experiences of other countries in preserving and promoting the value of imperial palace heritage... According to Assoc. Prof. Dr. Dang Van Bai, a member of the National Council for Cultural Heritage, the preservation of World Heritage sites in the spirit of the UNESCO Convention sets two major goals: Firstly, through scientific activities with appropriate management models, ensuring the integrity and inclusion, and showcasing the outstanding universal value of the heritage according to the criteria defined by UNESCO. Secondly, heritage interpretation brings the globally outstanding values ​​of heritage and the cultural messages contained within it closer to and makes them more understandable and accessible to a wider audience throughout society. This also means creating new functions for heritage to connect with social life and benefit everyone, most commonly through tourism and based on the strengths of information technology. To achieve the best results in heritage interpretation, Associate Professor Dr. Dang Van Bai proposed building a heritage "information center" at the Thang Long Imperial Citadel Center in the form of an Imperial Palace or Royal Court Museum. The museum's goal is not only to showcase artifacts and relics of high artistic value but also to recreate the architectural appearance of the Thang Long Royal Court through its various stages of development. In addition, the museum's exhibits must reflect the intangible cultural values ​​associated with the ancient royal court, which are scholarly in nature, also known as Thang Long Royal Court culture. In particular, attention should be paid to showcasing the activities that took place within the Thang Long Imperial Citadel during the period of the War against the US, the defense of the North, the liberation of the South, and the reunification of the country under the leadership of President Ho Chi Minh and the Supreme Command of the Vietnam People's Army. Associate Professor Dr. Dang Van Bai believes that such a modern museum should leverage the strengths of technology in the era of the 4.0 Industrial Revolution, such as GIS technology, virtual reality technology, 3D technology, mapping, etc., to promote the proactive and positive engagement of visitors, helping them to better understand the outstanding global values ​​of the heritage site. / Source: https://dangcongsan.vn/tu-tuong-van-hoa/hien-ke-khoi-phuc-cac-di-san-kien-truc-hoang-thanh-thang-long-619195.html