The opening ceremony of an archaeological exhibition from the Thang Long Imperial Citadel in France. Photo: Vietnamese embassy in France

A space introducing archaeological artefacts unearthed at Thang Long Imperial Citadel, in Hanoi was opened at Saint-Ayoul Monastery, in the ancient city of Provins, Ile-de-France region of France, NDO reported.

The event is part of the cooperation between the Thang Long-Hanoi Heritage Conservation Centre and the city of Provins, marking 10 years and 20 years since the Thang Long Imperial Citadel and the medieval city of Provins were recognised as World Heritage Sites by the United Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO), respectively.

According to Hanoi Times, the display features several typical models of archaeological artifacts unearthed at the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long, including the terracotta-shaped bodhi leaf tiles, dragon and phoenix heads, among others.

The national treasure record of the Institute of Imperial Citadel Studies said that the phoenix-themed Bodhi leaf tile is an original artifact found in pit A20 at the 18 Hoang Dieu Archaeological Site in Ba Dinh District, Hanoi.

It remained almost intact, and the creativity of the sculptors created the difference and uniqueness to the phoenix image under the Ly - Tran Dynasties in the 11th century. As confirmed by scientists, it is also a single and one-off hand-crafted artifact without any similar copy.

The cultural event contributes to promoting Vietnam's cultural heritage and celebrating the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations and the 10th anniversary of the Vietnam-France strategic partnership in 2023. Photo: Vietnamese embassy in France

Coming to the exhibition, which will last until the end of December 2023, visitors will have a chance to learn about the citadel through panels presented in English, Vietnamese and French, as well as leaflets, books and souvenirs. In particular, a video clip on the exceptional values of the Thang Long Imperial Citadel will help them have a general overview of the ancient city of Hanoi.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Olivier Lavenka, Mayor of Provins, said that the Thang Long Imperial City and the city of Provins share some similarities. Both of them were honoured by UNESCO because of the inestimable value they represent for all of humanity.

He said they were developed in the 11th century and have transmitted an exceptional heritage to today's generations. The opening of the Thang Long Imperial Citadel space at Saint-Ayoul church in the ancient city of Provins, will help to promote the two heritages.

According to Ambassador Le Thi Hong Van, Head of the Permanent Delegation of Vietnam to UNESCO, showcasing the image of the Thang Long Imperial City in Provins, is not only the meeting of the two world heritage sites but an exemplary model of cooperation between the two localities, in the field of culture and heritage.

For his part, Vietnamese Ambassador to France Dinh Toan Thang, said he was delighted to see the cooperation between the medieval city of Provins and the Thang Long-Hanoi Heritage Conservation Centre, which was initiated in 2019, continue to generate large-scale cooperative projects.

According to the ambassador, it is also a significant activity to celebrate 50 years of diplomatic relations and 10 years of strategic partnership between Vietnam and France in 2023.

A copy of the terracotta dragon head is displayed at Saint-Ayoul Monastery, Provins City, Ile-de-France region of France. Photo: Vietnamese embassy in France

The exhibition, which run through December, 2023, will be donated to Provins. Billboards promoting the Thang Long Imperial Citadel will be kept for 3 years. Photo: Vietnamese embassy in France

Talking to VOV’s correspondent in France, Nguyen Thanh Quang, Director of the Thang Long Imperial Citadel Conservation Center, said the exhibition will promote the cultural and historical values of Thang Long Imperial Citadel to the world.

Quang said: "The Provins region and the Thang Long Imperial Citadel have exchanged personnel to learn about preservation, and archeology from each other. The two sides have worked together to create tours, sightseeing routes, and information centers and will further cooperation to tap the potential of their relic sites."

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