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Architectural heritage crumbles
Historic buildings in two localities that
functioned as commercial port towns during the Nguyen dynasty are in a severely
dilapidated condition.
The Bao Vinh town, which hosted a busy port in 18th century, had 39 old
buildings standing at the end of the American War.
Meanwhile, Gia Hoi, a bustling port town in early 19th century, had 140 old
buildings featuring traditional Vietnamese, Chinese as well as French colonial
architecture.
These buildings have been so badly damaged by the rampant urbanisation of last
two decades that only 15 of them still stand in Bao Vinh, while Gia Hoi has 55.
Residents complain that they are caught in a bind. On the one hand, they cannot
repair their houses to make them safe or expand it to meet their needs because
authorities have banned such actions. On the other hand, the authorities
themselves have taken no action to preserve the old buildings.
"Many old houses in Bao Vinh are in ruin and vulnerable to floods and hard
weather," said Nguyen Van Bon, chairman of Huong Vinh commune.
A conservation project to protect the two towns was set up by Thua Thien Hue
province in 2003, but only three houses were repaired with funds from the French
Parliament. In Gia Hoi, one pagoda had its gate and entrance restored.
Experts have called on authorities to act before it is too late.
"Architecture reflects history, so there is a need to protect Bao Vinh and Gia
Hoi. Authorities should promptly come up with ways to deal with the conflict
between conservation and locals' benefits," said Nguyen Viet Tien, chairman of
the province's Planning Association.
Nguyen Xuan Hoa, former director of the province's Culture Department, said it
was not possible to restore Bao Vinh as an old town because not many old house
remained in it.
"But Gia Hoi has unique architectural values with a national-heritage pagoda, a
Hindu temple, the house of a Japanese karate master, overseas Chinese club
house, French colonial buildings and palaces of royal family members. It would
be interesting to restore the old town," he said.
Source: VNA |
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