Exhibition highlights Hanoi’s Victory in October 1954

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The exhibition introduces visitors 60 valuable photos of historic moments of Hanoi in October 1954 including: the triumphant Vietnamese army arriving to take over the capital city from colonial French rulers; the flag salute ceremony at Cot Co stadium to celebrate Hanoi’s victory on October 10, 1954; the withdrawal of the French troops from Hanoi; the thousands of Hanoians that shared a cheerful moment over the victory; and memories of people on the historic day.

“Hanoi: Moments of October 1954” reminds Vietnamese people about their heroic traditions of Hanoi and the country during historic autumn days in 1954 while helping international friends further understand about the efforts, sacrifices and determination of the Vietnamese people during the resistance period.

Photo: VNA

Additionally, visitors will also have chance to read stories told by Capital Regiment fighters and Hanoi’s residents who witnessed the victorious moment. They include Colonel Nguyen Trong Ham and soldier Phung De who served in the Capital Regiment, songwriter Nguyen Van Quy, as well as well-known historians Le Van Lan and Duong Trung Quoc. 

Historian Duong Trung Quoc shared that October 10 of 1954 witnessed the exciting atmosphere in every corner of the capital. Many local families made flags themselves to greet the Vietnamese troops.

The exhibition will last until October 31, at the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long, Hanoi.

Regarding the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long, the Central Sector of this place is an outstanding place of interest not only for the capital city but also for the country as a whole. 

The site is one of the ten special national heritage sites proclaimed by the Prime Minister in 2009 and was inscribed on the World Heritage List by UNESCO’s World Heritage Committee in 2010. Its Outstanding Universal Values are reflected in its historical longevity, its continuous role as a seat of power, and its multiple cultural layers.

The Imperial Citadel of Thang Long. Photo: Internet.

The World Heritage Site comprises two sections: the archaeological site at 18 Hoang Dieu Street and the central axis of the Nguyen Dynasty’s Citadel of Hanoi, which together create an integrated heritage complex. This was the most important sector of Thang Long Citadel, the capital of Dai Viet under the Ly, Tran, and Le dynasties from the 11th to the 18th centuries. 

It was also the core of the earlier Dai La Citadel, dating from the period when the region was ruled directly by China (7th to 9th centuries) and the headquarters of the North Vietnamese government and army during the Resistance War against the Americans (also known as the Vietnam War) between 1954 and 1975.

Standing monuments in the Nguyen Dynasty’s Ancient Citadel include the Flag Tower (Ky Dai), the South Gate (Doan Mon), the Kinh Thien Palace Foundation, the Princess’s Pagoda (Hau Lau), and the North Gate (Bac Mon).

The 18 Hoang Dieu Archaeological Site, located about 100 meters to the West of Kinh Thien Palace Foundation, is an important part of the Central Sector of the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long-Hanoi.