Those who preserve the memory of Co Loa

The winding earthen ramparts, moss-covered temple roofs, and the stories of An Dương Vương, Mỵ Châu, and Trọng Thủy are still present in the lives of the local people.

When heritage is in life

The view in front of the Inner Gate of the Upper Temple. Photo: MK

Early in the morning in Co Loa, people were already stopping by the temple grounds to light incense before starting their day's work. For many villagers, visiting the temple is not something unfamiliar, but rather a long-standing tradition.

According to Mr. Le Dang Xuyen, who has looked after Co Loa Temple for many years, the area has changed a lot compared to the past. The village roads are wider, the houses are more spacious, and more visitors come from all over.

"But for the people of Co Loa, the relics are not just places to visit. Since childhood, we have grown up with stories about the ancient citadel, about King An Duong Vuong, and about the Jade Well. Therefore, everyone is conscious of preserving them," Mr. Xuyen said.

For over two thousand years, Co Loa has preserved many traces associated with the ancient capital of the Au Lac state. However, along with the rapid urbanization of the Dong Anh commune area, protecting the historical site also poses many new requirements.

According to Mr. Hoang Cong Huy, Deputy Head of the Management Board of Co Loa Relic Site, the management and preservation of the relic site are currently being implemented according to the overall plan for the preservation, restoration, and promotion of the value of the Co Loa Citadel Relic Site, which has been approved by the Prime Minister .

Based on that, the relevant agencies coordinate with local authorities to carry out many tasks, such as marking boundaries to protect the historical site, strengthening inspections, handling violations, and raising awareness to encourage people to participate in protecting the heritage.

The inner gate of the Upper Temple…. Photo: MK

Mr. Huy stated that one of the current challenges is that the historical site is interspersed within residential areas where people have lived for generations. Along with urbanization and population growth, the increasing demand for infrastructure development makes protecting the historical site space more complex.

"Preserving Co Loa is not just the responsibility of the management agency, but requires the joint efforts of the local government and the community. When people understand and voluntarily preserve the relics, that is the sustainable foundation for long-term heritage protection," Mr. Hoang Cong Huy shared.

According to Mr. Huy, in the coming time, along with preserving historical and archaeological values, activities to promote the value of the relics will continue to be strengthened through heritage education , experiential tours and cultural programs, aiming to make Co Loa a typical historical and cultural destination of the Capital.

Spreading heritage in new ways.

Along with preserving the historical site, many activities are also being implemented to bring Co Loa closer to the community, especially the younger generation.

The stele house at the Upper Temple…. Photo: MK

According to Nguyen Thi Thao, Vice Chairwoman of the Fatherland Front Committee of Dong Anh commune and Secretary of the Dong Anh Commune Youth Union, the commune's Youth Union has implemented the VR360 project to digitize images of the Co Loa historical site. Through 360-degree virtual reality technology, the entire space and key points within the site are recorded, allowing viewers to explore and learn about history directly on a digital platform. With just an internet-connected device, viewers from anywhere can discover Co Loa. At many of the Youth Union's activities, we also place QR codes for easy access by residents and tourists.

In another corner of the ancient citadel, the monument security force quietly goes about their familiar daily work. Mr. Hoang Huu Nhan, who has been involved in this work for nearly 20 years, said that every day he and his colleagues patrol around the historical site, checking for security and potential threats to the monument. "Many times, walking along the ancient citadel walls, I still think that I am preserving a part of my homeland's history," Mr. Nhan shared.

Amidst the rapid changes in Hanoi's suburbs, Co Loa still retains the tranquil charm of an ancient land. The strong connection of the local people, along with innovative approaches to preserving and promoting the heritage, is helping the "soul" of Co Loa continue to be present in today's life.

Source: https://hanoimoi.vn/nhung-nguoi-giu-ky-uc-co-loa-739207.html