Activities of the Scientific Advisory Council in 2021 reviewed
In the morning of January 20th, 2022, a conference was held to review activities in 2021 and directions and missions for 2022 of the Scientific Advisory Council that are responsible for researching and conserving the Co Loa Relic site – The Imperial Citadel of Thang Long. Mr. Chu Xuan Dung – Vice Chairman of the Hanoi People’s Committee, President of the Council, Prof. D.Sc. Luu Tran Tieu, and Assoc. Prof. PhD. Tran Duc Cuong – Vice President of the Council, co-chaired the conference. Attending this conference were all scientists who are members of the council and representatives of departments of Hanoi City.
In 2021, despite the prolonged Covid-19 pandemic, the Scientific Advisory Council counselled and advised the City and Thang Long-Hanoi Heritage Conservation Center on the implementation of key projects and on the management, conservation and promotion of the values of two relic sites to adapt to new situation.
The Council worked in groups of experts to provide in-depth counselling in various fields in order to promote the values of the heritage. In 2021, the Council counselled on the implementation of UNESCO’s recommendations regarding excavation activities in the relic site of the Thang Long Imperial Citadel, serving to reconstruct Kinh Thien Palace; made suggestions to promote the reception and handover of relics and artifacts. Until now, the Center has received the following artifacts from the Institute of Archeology and the Institute of Imperial Citadel Studies: 9,126 relic vaults and 5,503 sample artifacts. The remaining artifacts is expected to be handed over in 2023, two years before the date signed between the Vietnam Academy of Social Sciences and Hanoi People’s Committee.
The standing members of the Scientific Council commented on developing the outline of the Thang Long Palace Exhibition Area in Vaxuco building regarding the name, content and structure of the exhibition and the sources of artifacts expected to be displayed. This was the basis for the Center to finalize the dossiers and then submit to the Hanoi People’s Committee for approval. The experts provided valuable comments during the process of connecting archeological research and excavating results, gradually interpreted the architectural vestiges of Kinh Thien palace by 3D method, and expanded the research to interpret the capital of Thang Long – Hanoi.
The Council also gave suggestions on the activities of display, exhibition, promotion, propaganda and application of information technology to create multi-dimensional and interactive products in order to bring the values of heritage and of the National Treasure closer to the public.
Proposing key tasks for the Council in 2022, Mr. Nguyen Thanh Quang, Director of the Thang Long-Hanoi Heritage Conservation Center, a standing member of the Council, said: In 2022, the Council will continue counselling the City and the Center in implementing the important missions, in order to promote projects in the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long such as reconstructing Kinh Thien Palace, constructing Thang Long Palace Exhibition, constructing Ngo Quyen temple at Co Loa relic site; develop a communication plan to disseminate the results in restoring 2D and 3D models of Kinh Thien Palace nationwide; counsel on the research, application, reconstruction, experiment and promotion of the research results in intangible cultures in order to bring the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long and Co Loa relic site closer to the public; improve the quality and renew the form of display and thematic exhibitions to ensure rich and creative content, attracting more visitors under the new conditions.
In his speech at the conference, Mr. Chu Xuan Dung, Vice Chairman of the Hanoi People’s Committee, President of the Council, emphasized: The Consulting Advisory Council has been an effective model over the years. It directly counselled and helped Hanoi City and the Center in carrying out the tasks of preserving, embellishing and promoting the values of two relic sites. In the coming time, The City wishes to continue this precious support. The Center should take advantage of the Council’s support to develop specific plans, carry out archeological excavations, review the 20-year research on the excavations of the Imperial Citadel; research and propose plans on the reconstruction of Kinh Thien Palace; adjust the management and action plan for the period 2022-2027, with a vision of 2035; organize events to promote the values of intangible cultures and develop education programs on heritage sites; improve of the quality of tourist destinations; promote the image of two relic sites through the media so people can better understand the cultural and historical origins of the nation.
Kim Yen
