Hanoi capital in the historical autumn days is so beautiful.
House No. 48 Hang Ngang - Birthplace of the Declaration of Independence
Located in the middle of an ancient street, house number 48 Hang Ngang with its almost intact ancient French architecture is a special relic associated with the August Revolution and National Day September 2, 1945.
In the 1940s, house number 48 Hang Ngang used to be the Phuc Loi store, one of the largest silk and fabric stores in Hanoi. The owners of the house were businessman Trinh Van Bo and his wife Hoang Thi Minh Ho.
Documentary photos of the family of patriotic nationalist capitalist Trinh Van Bo at house number 48 Hang Ngang.
In the book “Hanoi’s famous landscapes and relics” edited by Dr. Luu Minh Tri, it is written that the house at 48 Hang Ngang is located in the middle of a bustling commercial area with a lot of customers coming and going. From the fourth floor, one can observe a large area from Dong Xuan market to Hang Dao intersection.
With such a location, the house was very convenient for the Party's secret activities. Moreover, Mr. and Mrs. Trinh Van Bo's family were patriotic, had been enlightened about the revolution early and became a reliable base in Hanoi. That is why the Hanoi Party Committee chose this place as the place for the Central Committee's comrades to live and work before the August Revolution.
Documentary image of House No. 48 Hang Ngang in the early 20th century.
After the victory of the Revolution, when President Ho Chi Minh returned to Hanoi from the war zone, the house at 48 Hang Ngang was again chosen by the Central Committee as the place where he lived and worked.
Mr. and Mrs. Trinh Van Bo's family dedicated the entire second floor of the house for Uncle Ho and the comrades in the Party Central Committee to discuss and decide on important issues, preparing for the day of the Declaration of Independence giving birth to the Democratic Republic of Vietnam.
Mrs. Hoang Thi Minh Ho, wife of Mr. Trinh Van Bo, recalled: “I remember the first time President Ho Chi Minh came to my house. He was dressed very simply, a brown shirt, brown pants, a felt hat, “white tiger” rubber sandals, and holding a can. When he entered the house, my husband and I welcomed him and took him to the 3rd floor, where I had chosen a room with enough amenities for him to stay. Then he went down to the 2nd floor to stay with his comrades and work there.” (According to the book “Hanoi’s famous landscapes and relics” - edited by Dr. Luu Minh Tri - Hanoi Publishing House)
Thus, from August 25 to September 2, 1945, house number 48 Hang Ngang became the workplace of the Central Party Standing Committee and President Ho Chi Minh.
The image of President Ho Chi Minh working is recreated at the house at 48 Hang Ngang.
Here, President Ho Chi Minh chaired a meeting of the Party Central Committee, deciding on many extremely important issues: transforming the National Liberation Committee into a provisional government; expanding the composition of the provisional government, implementing broad solidarity, inviting more patriotic intellectuals to become members of the government; organizing a large rally to declare to the nation and the world that our country was independent.
The list of the Provisional Government was also announced in the press and set September 2, 1945 as the date for its introduction to the people.
This space and table is where President Ho Chi Minh and his comrades in the Party Central Committee approved three contents: Declaration of Independence; Organization of National Day; Composition of the Provisional Government.
Not only stopping at those historic decisions, it was also at house number 48 Hang Ngang that President Ho Chi Minh drafted the Declaration of Independence - the document that gave birth to the Democratic Republic of Vietnam.
The Declaration not only expresses the nation's aspiration for independence, freedom and happiness, but also crystallizes traditional values, affirming human rights and national rights before the nation and international friends.
President Ho Chi Minh's typewriter.
The Declaration of Independence table is displayed at House No. 48 Hang Ngang.
The house at 48 Hang Ngang has become a special historical address, associated with the important moment that opened a new era for the nation - the Ho Chi Minh era.
Ba Dinh Square – The Heart of the Capital
Throughout history, Ba Dinh Square has witnessed many important events of the nation.
Ba Dinh - A name associated with history
According to documents from the National History Museum, the name “Ba Dinh” originated from the uprising against French colonialism in the Can Vuong movement in 1886 in Nga Son, Thanh Hoa, led by leaders Pham Bang and Dinh Cong Trang. The insurgents built bases in three villages: My Khe, Thuong Tho, and Mau Thinh, and fought tenaciously with the protection and support of the people.
Although the uprising only lasted for a short time, that indomitable spirit entered the history of the nation's resistance against foreign invaders, leaving the place name Ba Dinh as a deep mark.
Ba Dinh Flower Garden on September 2, 1945 (Source: VNA)
On July 20, 1945, when he assumed the position of Governor of Hanoi in the Tran Trong Kim Government, doctor Tran Van Lai changed a series of street names from French to Vietnamese, taking the names of national heroes: Garnier street became Dinh Tien Hoang, Carnot boulevard became Phan Dinh Phung...
In that spirit, he changed the name of Puginier Flower Garden in front of the Governor's Palace to Ba Dinh Flower Garden, to commemorate the heroic uprising, affirming the national spirit and the desire for independence of the Vietnamese people.
And right in that historical space, on September 2, 1945, the National Liberation Committee officially became the provisional government, introduced to the people at Ba Dinh Square.
Delegates and citizens raise their hands to take the oath. (Source: VNA)
For the first time after more than 80 years of slavery, more than 500,000 people from Hanoi and neighboring provinces, from all walks of life, flocked to Ba Dinh Square to celebrate the nation's independence day. Before the people and the world, President Ho Chi Minh, on behalf of the provisional government, solemnly read the Declaration of Independence, giving birth to the Democratic Republic of Vietnam.
President Ho Chi Minh and delegates on the Independence Stage. (Source: VNA)
Where patriotism converges
Today, Ba Dinh Square has become a national heritage, witnessing and preserving many important historical milestones of the country. Standing out in the square is the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, a work symbolizing the people's gratitude to the great leader of the nation.
Ba Dinh Square today.
Located in the Ba Dinh Historical-Cultural Relic Complex, Ba Dinh Square is the venue for many grand parades on major national holidays, as well as important events such as military parades, memorial ceremonies for heroic martyrs, rallies, reports of achievements, and Party admission ceremonies...
This year, Ba Dinh Square once again became a historical meeting place, where people from all over the country turned their attention in the grand atmosphere of the 80th anniversary of the August Revolution and National Day September 2.
Bac Bo Palace - Where Uncle Ho worked
The Northern Government Office is currently the headquarters of the Presidential Office.
After the Declaration of Independence on September 2, 1945, President Ho Chi Minh moved from the house at 48 Hang Ngang to the Bac Bo Palace (No. 12 Ngo Quyen, Hanoi). Today, the Bac Bo Palace is considered a special historical relic, preserving the sacred imprints of President Ho Chi Minh and the first phase of the revolutionary government.
During the French colonial period, this building was the Palace of the Governor of Tonkin, built in 1918-1919. On March 9, 1945, after the Japanese coup against France, the building was renamed the Palace of the Royal Commissioner of Tonkin.
Classical European architecture is still preserved intact at the Bac Bo Phu building.
The Palace of the Governor of Tonkin bears the mark of classical European architecture, harmoniously combined with indigenous elements, demonstrating the grand scale and importance of the highest administrative body of Tonkin. The main facade of the building faces the Chavassieux flower garden, also known as the Toad flower garden.
During the August Revolution, on the day of the general uprising on August 19, 1945, the Viet Minh forces coordinated with the people of Hanoi to attack and gain full control of the building, opening an important turning point in the process of seizing power in the capital.
After being renamed Bac Bo Palace, the building became a witness to important historical events.
The Bac Bo Palace building is a witness to important historical events.
At the Northern Palace, under the protection of the National Guard and Hoang Dieu Self-Defense Forces, President Ho Chi Minh worked and received domestic and foreign delegations, along with many classes of people, intellectuals, patriotic workers and merchants. From here, the first important domestic and foreign policies of the revolutionary State were formed, laying the foundation for the young government apparatus.
After renovation, Bac Bo Palace still retains its original values to the maximum.
Director of the Department of Cultural Heritage Le Thi Thu Hien said that the Bac Bo Phu building is one of the symbolic institutions of Vietnam's political power in the 20th century and continues to play its role today as the headquarters of the Government Office. Every architectural detail, from the corridors, stairs, wooden doors to the overall layout, clearly reflects the harmonious combination of French architecture and indigenous elements. Proper restoration will keep the building "alive" in contemporary life, instead of only existing in documents.
Over the years of history, the Bac Bo Palace has now become a witness to the ups and downs of the capital. Preserving and promoting the value of heritage associated with tourism development is necessary, so that this place will always be remembered in the hearts of Hanoians and tourists.
Hoa Lo Prison – from hell on earth to attractive tourist destination
Known as “hell on earth” in the heart of Hanoi, Hoa Lo prison is the clearest evidence of the sacrifices, hardships and indomitable fighting spirit of revolutionary soldiers against the enemy.
Hoa Lo Prison is currently located on Hoa Lo Street, Hoan Kiem Ward, Hanoi City.
Hoa Lo Prison was built by the French colonialists in 1896, on the land of Phu Khanh village, Vinh Xuong commune, Tho Xuong district, Hanoi (now Hoa Lo street, Hoan Kiem ward).
As one of the largest prisons of the French colonialists in Indochina, this place once detained and tortured thousands of patriotic soldiers and great revolutionaries of the nation. Among them, we can mention: Phan Boi Chau, Luong Van Can, Nguyen Luong Bang, Nguyen Quyen, Ho Tung Mau, ... and comrades General Secretaries of the Communist Party of Vietnam such as: Nguyen Van Cu, Truong Chinh, Le Duan, Nguyen Van Linh and Do Muoi.
Space recreating the scene of revolutionary soldiers imprisoned at Hoa Lo prison.
Despite being tortured and subjected to many cruel punishments, the revolutionary will and patriotism remained steadfast in their prison. The soldiers turned the prison into a school to propagate and enlighten them about the Party's revolutionary path.
The bas-relief at Hoa Lo Prison clearly depicts the torture and beatings in prison.
In 1945, the most notable event at Hoa Lo Prison was the large-scale prison break. On March 9, 1945, Japan staged a coup against France and took control of Hoa Lo Prison. Taking advantage of the chaos and carelessness during guard duty, more than 100 political prisoners, including comrades such as Tran Tu Binh, Tran Dang Ninh, Do Muoi, etc., successfully escaped from prison by crawling into the sewers. The return of many key leaders also contributed to the victory of the General Uprising to seize power in August 1945.
The war has long gone, but Hoa Lo Prison still remains as an unforgettable mark of the sacrifice and indomitability of generations of fathers and brothers who fought steadfastly for national independence. And today, Hoa Lo Prison is an important red address educating generations of students about patriotism. This is also a national historical relic recognized by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism in 2017.
Tourists visit Hoa Lo Prison relic.
And over the years, to make Hoa Lo Prison relic an attractive destination, many programs and activities for sightseeing and experience have been implemented, such as: Exchange with historical witnesses; competition to learn about Hoa Lo Prison relic, launching daytime experience programs with the theme "Time Train 1,2,3" for students of all levels of high school... Especially, in the night space, with the combination of sound, light, and authentic stories, the life of exile in prison has been recreated through emotional but heroic stage scenes. With the themes "Sacred Night - Shining Vietnamese Spirit", "Sacred Night 2 - Living like Flowers", "Sacred Night 3 - Fire of Youth"; "Night of Love"; "Comradely Love", visitors seem to go back in time to understand and deeply feel the difficulties, hardships, and dangers that the revolutionary soldiers had to go through.
Lighting an incense stick, paying tribute to the heroes and patriotic martyrs at the Hoa Lo Prison Memorial after the visit, Nguyen Ha An, a student at Le Loi Secondary School (Ha Dong Ward, Hanoi) shared: “This is a very meaningful visit for me. Looking at the exhibition space and the artifacts, we can see that the revolutionary soldiers had to go through countless physical and mental pains. I am very proud and grateful, thanks to them, our generation can live in peace and happiness like today”.
With creative approaches to sightseeing and experience activities, Hoa Lo Prison - from a little-known relic, has now become a red address, an attractive tourist destination of the capital Hanoi.
Opera House - a symbol of culture, architecture, art and history
Architectural and cultural imprints of the capital
The Hanoi Opera House was started in 1901 and completed in late 1911 on land in Tay Long village, Phuc Lan commune, Tho Xuong district, Hoai Duc prefecture, Hanoi (now Trang Tien street, Hoan Kiem ward). This was a project built by the French government to serve the cultural enjoyment needs of French officials as well as the upper class and urban intellectuals at that time.
Panorama of Hanoi Opera House.
The Opera House was designed by French architects Broyer and Harlay. With its magnificent architecture and interior in the 19th century French classical style, the Opera House was built on an area of 2,600m², including 870 seats, arranged in 3 floors.
Hanoi Opera House remains steadfast over time.
After 10 years of construction, the Opera House was put into use. At first, the theater was reserved for Western troupes to perform, mainly classical art forms such as Opera, chamber music, etc. Later, the Opera House also had performances organized by Vietnamese people for charity. Since 1940, many Vietnamese drama troupes have rented the Opera House to perform.
Classical French architectural details are preserved at the Hanoi Opera House.
According to documents of Prof. Dr. Architect Hoang Dao Kinh and cultural researchers, this is the oldest, most typical, most solemn and majestic performing arts work, most suitable for high-class stage and music art programs, meeting international performance standards... The work has a special position in the heritage, in the French colonial architectural fund of the Capital and of cities throughout the country... At the same time, it has become one of the most familiar images, a symbol of the Capital, no other architecture here is as typical of Hanoi.
Art space associated with national history
In addition to its architectural value, the Hanoi Opera House is also a witness to revolutionary history, when on August 17, 1945, Viet Minh cadres turned a rally organized by the General Association of Civil Servants to support the puppet government into a call for the people to support the Viet Minh and overthrow the pro-Japanese puppets.
In particular, on August 19, hundreds of thousands of people in Hanoi and neighboring provinces gathered at the Hanoi Opera House Square to attend a rally in response to the General Uprising to seize power. Under the brilliant red flag with yellow star and to the heroic music of the song “Tien Quan Ca”, the Uprising Committee read the call for uprising. The rally then turned into an armed demonstration to seize power.
Many historical events took place here.
Also at the Opera House, many important historical events took place. On August 29, 1945, the Liberation Army from Viet Bac returned to Hanoi, introduced itself to the people of the Capital, marking an important event in the August General Uprising.
On September 16, 1945, the “Golden Week” opened to collect gold and money for the National Defense Fund and the Independence Fund. On the opening day, President Ho Chi Minh could not attend, but he sent a letter to all the people of the country. And in just one week (from September 16 to September 22, 1945), despite the difficulties, the people of the whole country, regardless of class or religion, voluntarily contributed 370 pounds of gold, 20 million VND to the Independence Fund, and 40 million VND to the National Defense Fund.
The Opera House has witnessed important historical events of the capital.
In early October 1945, right at the Opera House Square, the "Southern Resistance Day" was held, bringing about a change in spirit, from which people from all regions also stood up to protest and fight against the French reoccupation of the South.
The Opera House is also the venue for many important National Assembly sessions.
- March 5, 1946: The first session of the National Assembly of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam, term I.
- September 2, 1946: Rally to celebrate the 1st anniversary of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam government, also the first time Uncle Ho set foot in the Hanoi Opera House.
- From October 28 to November 9, 1946: The 2nd session of the 1st National Assembly passed the first Constitution of our country.
Witnessing the important changes of the country over the past 124 years, the Opera House has become a symbol honoring the beauty of the capital Hanoi, especially when it was recognized by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism as a national historical and architectural relic in 2011. This place is not only the center for important meetings and conferences, but also a space for performing arts of national and international music, dance and drama programs.
Hanoi Opera House stained with time.
80 years have passed since the fall of the Revolution, but the marks at the relics still quietly tell the story to posterity. Those addresses not only recall a heroic period of the nation, but also affirm the gratitude and pride of the Fatherland in every Vietnamese person.
Source:
1. “Hanoi's famous landscapes and relics” – Dr. Luu Minh Tri (editor-in-chief) - Hanoi Publishing House
2. “August Revolution 1945 in Hanoi” – Nguyen Dinh Le (editor-in-chief) – Hanoi Publishing House
3. Hanoi Opera House - An architectural work of value in many aspects - Professor, Doctor, Architect Hoang Dao Kinh, document stored at the Hanoi Monuments and Landscapes Management Board
4. Source: National Museum of History
5. Source of information: Hoa Lo Prison Relic Management Board.
CAO HUONG - TRANG NHUNG
Source: https://nhandan.vn/nhung-di-tich-ghi-dau-mua-thu-cach-mang-post905245.html
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