Saigon 'Pearl of the Far East' a century ago through newly released photos

About 25 unique photos taken by Hungarian naval doctor Bozoky Dezso of the 'Pearl of the Far East' Saigon in the early 20th century, more than a century ago, have just been introduced to the public.

To welcome the official visit to Vietnam of the President of the Hungarian National Assembly Kover Laszlo, on October 19, the opening ceremony of the exhibition "Photos of Bozoky Dezso - Hungarian naval doctor in the early 20th century in Vietnam" took place at the Ho Chi Minh City Museum, introducing about 25 photos of Hungarian naval doctor Bozoky Dezso taken in the early 20th century in Saigon (Vietnam).

Catinat Street taken in 1909 (now Dong Khoi)

Photo: Bozoky Dezso

Saigon City Hall taken in 1909 (now the headquarters of the Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee)

Photo: Bozoky Dezso

Saigon Theater (now Ho Chi Minh City Theater)

Photo: Bozoky Dezso

The official visit of Hungarian National Assembly Chairman Kover Laszlo to Vietnam is an important highlight in the comprehensive partnership between Vietnam and Hungary, especially in the context of the two countries solemnly celebrating the 75th anniversary of establishing diplomatic relations.

Therefore, according to the Standing Vice Chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City People's Council Pham Thanh Kien: "The exhibition of photos by Bozoky Dezso - a Hungarian naval doctor in the early 20th century in Vietnam shows Vietnam's respect for historical memories and cultural heritage, while opening up a new creative space for artists, researchers and people of the two countries to share together, creating more inspiration for artistic creation".

Moved by seeing old Saigon more than 100 years ago

Hungarian Consul General in Ho Chi Minh City Lehocz Gabor said: "In 1909, Hungarian naval doctor Bozoky Dezso brought back to Hungary a part of Saigon's memory through images and the stories behind the pictures. More than a century later, today we bring that part of the memory back to Vietnam. Because it is your history, your culture, but also our common heritage."

Botanical Garden in 1909

Photo: Bozoky Dezso

Saigon River in 1909

Photo: Bozoky Dezso

Ships on the Saigon River (1909)

Photo: Bozoky Dezso

A section of Catinat Street photographed in 1909

Photo: Bozoky Dezso

Temple in Cho Lon

Photo: Bozoky Dezso

Arroyo River is now Ben Nghe Canal/Tau Hu Canal

Photo: Bozoky Dezso

Funeral palanquin in Saigon in 1909

Photo: Bozoky Dezso

Coming to the exhibition, viewers suddenly feel nostalgic and emotional when seeing with their own eyes an old Saigon - more than 100 years ago, the place once known as the Pearl of the Far East - used to refer to Saigon under the French colonial period, with peaceful images and poetic "rivers and ferries". That is Saigon City Hall taken in 1909 (now the headquarters of the Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee), Arroyo River (now Ben Nghe Canal/Tau Hu Canal), Catinat Street taken in 1909 (now Dong Khoi Street), Buddhist pagoda in Cho Lon or the peaceful Botanical Garden in 1909, funeral palanquin in Saigon in 1909...

According to the Organizing Committee, the photo exhibition "Photos of Bozoky Dezso - a Hungarian naval doctor in Vietnam in the early 20th century" will take place at the Ho Chi Minh City Museum until October 31.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/sai-gon-hon-ngoc-vien-dong-cach-nay-mot-the-ky-qua-bo-anh-moi-cong-bo-185251020092959903.htm