The exhibition “From Cửa Hàn to the Most Livable City” aims to showcase to the public the breadth and significance of archival documents that highlight the multifaceted historical and cultural heritage of Da Nang. This exhibition displays carefully curated documents and images sourced from the National Archives Centers, the Da Nang City Historical Archives Center, and various libraries and museums.
Part 1: Da Nang in the Past
This section presents documents and images spanning from the Nguyễn dynasty to the year 1975. Key themes include the Điện Hải Fort, Da Nang Port, the city’s resistance against Western invasions, its status as a French concession, and Da Nang’s governance under different administrations, including the Provisional Government of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam, the National Government of Vietnam, and the Republic of Vietnam.
Da Nang During the Independent Nguyễn Dynasty
Under the Nguyễn dynasty, Da Nang was recognized as a “crucial maritime region,” playing an essential role in trade, military strategy, and national defense. The deep and wide coastal waters, shielded by surrounding mountains, served as a safe harbor for ships, particularly during storms. Da Nang was a bustling maritime hub, uniquely open to Western trading vessels.
Due to its strategic importance, the Nguyễn dynasty swiftly established a robust coastal defense system, complete with fortifications to protect the region. Moreover, the Nguyễn emperors annually dispatched fleets to assert sovereignty over the Paracel Islands, reinforcing their control over the territory.
The French-Spanish Coalition’s Attack on Da Nang
On the morning of September 1, 1858, the French-Spanish coalition launched an attack, with warships bombarding the An Hải and Điện Hải Forts before landing on the Sơn Trà Peninsula. Upon hearing of the loss of Sơn Trà Peninsula, the court in Huế sent reinforcements to bolster the defense. Despite the stark disparity in military strength and weaponry, the Nguyễn court and its soldiers remained resolute in their resistance against the Western invaders.
Da Nang as a French Concession
In 1888, Da Nang became a French concession encompassing approximately 10,000 hectares. The government of Annam was compelled to relinquish all rights over this land. Shortly thereafter, on May 24, 1889, the French established the city of Da Nang, methodically organizing its administration to facilitate colonial governance and exploitation.
The city was meticulously planned, with its main axis running along the left bank of the Han River, now known as Bạch Đằng Street. The French developed streets parallel and perpendicular to this main thoroughfare, creating a grid pattern reminiscent of Western cities. During the colonial period, Da Nang Port emerged as the most important seaport in Central Vietnam. The region’s mineral resources, such as those from the Bông Miêu and Nông Sơn mines, further fueled Da Nang’s economic activities, bolstering trade and export during that era. Over nearly a century, Da Nang underwent significant transformation, albeit at a slower pace compared to other major cities in Indochina. The city was organized according to Western principles, with numerous architectural works reflecting European influences.
Da Nang from 1945 to 1975
In 1945, Vietnam achieved independence, and the activities in Da Nang were directed by the Quảng Nam – Da Nang Provincial Resistance Committee. The Democratic Republic of Vietnam government also issued several decrees concerning Da Nang. During this period, the Committee not only oversaw the organization of governance and production activities but also intensified the revolutionary movements of the people and military in Da Nang in their struggle against the United States and its allies.
From 1945 to 1975, Da Nang experienced a complex period marked by the governance of various regimes: the Provisional Government of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam, the National Government of Vietnam, and the Republic of Vietnam.
Part 2: Da Nang Today
This section highlights documents and images from the liberation in March 1975 to the present day, providing a detailed account of Da Nang’s development through two significant phases:
Da Nang: A City Within Quang Nam-Da Nang Province
Following the restoration of peace, Da Nang became a city within Quang Nam-Da Nang Province. The province embarked on efforts to recover from the devastating impacts of two wars and organized productive labor activities.
Due to its remarkable achievements in combat and support roles, contributing to the nation’s victory in the resistance against the U.S., the People’s Armed Forces of Quang Nam-Da Nang Province were honored with the title “Hero of the People’s Armed Forces” by the President of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam in 1978.
Da Nang: A Centrally Governed City
Since 1997, Da Nang has been a centrally governed city, following a resolution by the National Assembly on November 6, 1996. The city has undergone dynamic and proactive transformations, launching numerous innovative programs that have yielded impressive results. Da Nang has made significant strides in economic and social development, marked by rapid urbanization and substantial advancements in urban infrastructure, social services, and public amenities.
The city has consistently implemented pioneering programs such as “Five No’s,” “Three Yes’s,” and “Four Safeties,” contributing to the development of a prosperous, peaceful, civilized, and modern Da Nang.
Over nearly three decades as a centrally governed city, Da Nang has achieved remarkable progress, gradually asserting itself as a modern, civilized urban center in the central region and across Vietnam. Tourism has emerged as a key economic driver, with numerous high-quality investment projects and services propelling Da Nang to become an attractive, safe, and friendly destination for both domestic and international tourists.
The captivating landscapes and the hospitality of its people remain vital elements that underscore Da Nang’s reputation as a city worth visiting and living in, both in the region and globally.
🕰️ Opening time: 3:00 p.m., August 29, 2024 (Thursday).
‼️ The exhibition takes place from August 29, 2024 to September 6, 2024.
📍 Location: Lobby No. 3, City Administration Center Building, No. 24, Tran Phu Street, Thach Thang Ward, Hai Chau District, Da Nang City.
