Exhibition highlights historic documents on Danang’s role under Nguyen Dynasty

A remarkable exhibition featuring 100 valuable royal records and wooden blocks from the Nguyen dynasty (1802-1945) has made its public debut at the Hoàng Sa Museum in the central city of Danang.

This exhibition marks the first time these items have been displayed to the public.

Organised collaboratively by the city and the National Archives Centre 1, the exhibition, which is entitled "Danang– From the Sea View", highlights the significant role played by the beach city in terms of the bay, port, and maritime service from the 16th to the 19th century as documented in the royal records.

These records and blocks have been recognised by UNESCO's Memory of the World Regional Register for Asia and the Pacific since 2017.

According to the Hoang Sa (Paracel Islands) District authorities, this exhibition offers a unique opportunity to view the complete collection of these priceless items, providing a fascinating insight into the rich history of the Nguyen Dynasty.

Danang’s port emerged as a cargo transhipment wharf in the 16th century and then a main port during the 19th century.

A royal record given by King Ming Mạng during the Nguyen Dynasty stated that all merchant ships from western and foreign countries were allowed to dock at Danang’s estuary.

The exhibition also displayed a collection of ancient maps of Hoang Sa (Paracel Islands) of Vietnam.

Hoang Sa Museum, on the coast of Son Tra Peninsula, Danang City, is a unique site preserving documents and other artefacts on Vietnam’s sovereignty over the Hoang Sa (Paracel) and Truong Sa (Spratly) archipelagos.      

The museum displays over 400 maps, documents and photos, of which 150 are ancient maps showing the country’s sovereignty over the two archipelagos from the 16th to 19th centuries. Many old maps and atlases showed clear historical evidence that the Hoang Sa and Truong Sa islands belong to Vietnam.