VietNamNet Bridge – The exhibition “From Changes to Destruction of Hanoi Citadel in the 19th Century” at L’ Espace, 1 Trang Tien, brings a comprehensive view of Hanoi in the 19th century.
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Hanoi citadel looked from the Cua Dong gate (1873). Photo: Musee Guimet, Gsell |
According to French documents, Gia Long assumed the throne and moved the capital from Thang Long (Hanoi) to Hue. Thang Long lost its position as the country’s political centre and a new citadel was built, changing the city’s urban space.
Emperor Gia Long divided the country into three regions, including the new capital – Hue (central region), Gia Dinh (southern region) and Bac Thanh (northern region).
In 1831, Thang Long was renamed Hanoi. Gia Long (1804), Minh Mang (1821) and Thieu Tri (1841) were all crowned in the city. In 1841, China recognized Hue as Vietnam’s capital and crowning ceremonies were all organized in Hue afterward. King Tu Duc destroyed the remaining palaces in Thang Long.
Within 15 years of the second French occupation of Hanoi’s citadel in 1882, until the citadel was completely destroyed in 1897, Hanoi’s citadel underwent great changes and many old structures were razed to build new ones.
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Long Thien palace was built on the ground of Kinh Thien palace (1884-1886). This is the key work in the Hanoi royal citadel relic. |
Documents and pictures about Hanoi from the era of the citadel’s destruction 1880 to 1897 and also from 1897 to 1930 during its reconstruction, are now on display at L’ Espace until September 29.
The exhibition was initiated by Oliver Tessier from the French School of the Far East, who has researched Vietnam for more than 20 years.
Pictures and documents introduced in the exhibition were collected from various sources in France.
Hanoi citadel from 1880 to 1930:
1. The area for the King (fobidden citadel):
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Long Thien palace (1870). Photo: Musée Guimet, Gsell. |
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Doan Mon (1884-1886). Photo Hocquard |
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Long Thien palace became a guardroom (1884-1886). Photo Hocquard |
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The veranda of Long Thien palace (1890). Photo: ASEMI |
Destruction and changes outside the citadel (1883-1884):
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A quarter of the citadel to the southeast: army camps (1895). Photo: ASEMI |
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St. Joseph church built in 1886 on the ground of Bao Thien tower, which was destroyed in 1884). (photo taken in 1888-1891, ASEMI) |
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Bao An pagoda was broken down in 1888 to build a post office. Photo BNF |
The last vestiges of old buildings:
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The veranda of Long Thien palace (1928). Photo EFED |
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Restored Doan Mon. Photo EFED |
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Road 53, avenue Victor Hugo or Hoang Dieu road at present. Photo EFED |
Vestiges of the citadel wall:
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Cua Bac citadel |
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Inside Cua Bac citadel. |
New army camps:
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New army camps. |
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A new camp (1886). Photo SHD |
Hanoi’s new face:
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One-pillar pagoda (1888-1891) Photo SHD, Trumelet Faber |
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The Temple of Literature and Hanoi citadel (1929). Phot ASEMI |
