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| Thai Hoa Palace |
- Hue’s Cultural Heritage Earns Global Recognition at UNESCO Ceremony
The ceremony, which was both a celebration and a reflection on the successful restoration of the Thai Hoa Palace, began with a grand “Audience Ceremony.” It commemorated the completion of the palace restoration, which has been a symbol of dedication and cultural preservation, and was attended by dignitaries, cultural leaders, and local officials.
Restoration of Thai Hoa Palace: A Monument to History
The ceremony was also a key moment to celebrate the completion of the restoration project for Thai Hoa Palace, an iconic architectural landmark in Hue. The palace, which was originally built in 1805 during the reign of Emperor Gia Long and later renovated under Emperor Minh Mang in 1832, has long served as the venue for important royal ceremonies, including the coronation of 13 Nguyen Dynasty emperors.
Mr. Hoang Viet Trung, director of the Hue Monuments Conservation Center (HMCC), announced that the restoration project had been successfully completed after three years of careful work. The palace is now open to the public, showcasing the artistry and craftsmanship of the Nguyen Dynasty. The restoration focused on preserving key architectural elements of the palace, including its wooden framework, roof, walls, and decorative features, ensuring the structure’s durability and historical integrity.
UNESCO Recognition: A Global Achievement for Hue’s Heritage
At the heart of the ceremony was the UNESCO recognition of The Bas-reliefs on the Nine Dynastic Urns at the Hue Imperial Palace. These intricate bronze bas-reliefs, which decorate the nine urns created during the reign of Emperor Minh Mang in the 1830s, are recognized as a significant part of Vietnam's cultural heritage. The bas-reliefs depict various historical events, and their symbolism connects the history of Vietnam with broader East Asian cultural and historical contexts.
The Nine Dynastic Urns are a monumental part of the Imperial Palace of Hue, representing the country’s royal history, dynastic continuity, and the country's relationship with its neighbors in East Asia. The official inscription of these urns on UNESCO's Asia-Pacific Documentary Heritage list in May 2024 is a recognition of their exceptional cultural and historical value to the world.
Mr. Wallace Baker, Head of UNESCO’s Vietnam Office, emphasized that the bronze reliefs on the Nine Dynastic Urns reflect the exchanges and interactions between Vietnamese and East Asian cultures. He praised the efforts of Thua Thien Hue Province in safeguarding these priceless artifacts, underscoring the province’s dedication to heritage preservation.
A Landmark in Hue’s Heritage Preservation Efforts
The recognition of the Nine Dynastic Urns marks another milestone in the ongoing preservation of Hue’s cultural heritage. Thua Thien Hue Province, home to Hue’s Imperial Citadel and many other UNESCO-recognized heritage sites, is now recognized as the province with the largest number of UNESCO world heritage sites in Vietnam. The Complex of Hue Monuments was the first site in Vietnam to be inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list in 1993, followed by the inclusion of Hue Court Music in 2003 as an Intangible Cultural Heritage.
As Mr. Nguyen Van Phuong, Chairman of the Thua Thien Hue Provincial People’s Committee, noted during the ceremony, the province now boasts eight UNESCO-recognized heritage sites, which are an important part of Hue's growing global cultural prestige. He further emphasized that the conservation and restoration efforts in Hue are focused on ensuring these sites remain preserved for future generations while contributing to the region's economic and social development.
Continuing the Path of Heritage Preservation
This event also marked the launch of the next phase in Hue’s heritage restoration projects with the announcement of the restoration and rehabilitation of the Can Chanh Palace. The preservation of both the Thai Hoa and Can Chanh Palaces demonstrates Thua Thien Hue's commitment to maintaining the historical integrity of Hue's Imperial Citadel and Forbidden Purple City.
Chairman Phuong reaffirmed the province’s dedication to heritage conservation, with ongoing efforts to implement both Vietnamese and international preservation programs. Thua Thien Hue's work, particularly in collaboration with UNESCO, sets a high standard for heritage conservation in the Asia-Pacific region.
A Bright Future for Hue’s Cultural Tourism
The global recognition of the Nine Dynastic Urns and the restoration of Thai Hoa Palace will undoubtedly enhance Hue’s position as a leading cultural tourism destination in Vietnam. The city's rich history, along with its growing reputation as a leader in heritage preservation, makes it an increasingly attractive location for international visitors seeking to explore the rich cultural tapestry of Vietnam.
In the coming years, Hue is poised to become a hub for heritage conservation knowledge transfer in the Asia-Pacific region, as it continues to attract attention for its dedicated preservation efforts. With its unique blend of history, culture, and artistry, Hue is a must-visit destination for travelers eager to experience the best of Vietnam’s royal past and cultural heritage.
The UNESCO Documentary Heritage Recognition of The Bas-reliefs on the Nine Dynastic Urns not only celebrates Hue’s significant cultural contribution to the world but also reinforces its place as a cultural beacon, where history and heritage continue to thrive.
A Symbol of Global Cultural Heritage
As the world turns its attention to the importance of preserving cultural legacies, Hue’s ongoing success in safeguarding its treasures offers an inspiring model. Through collaborative efforts with UNESCO and a deep respect for its history, Hue is shaping its future as a leading center for cultural heritage, welcoming both visitors and experts from around the globe to experience its extraordinary legacy.
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