Professor and architect Hoang Dao Kinh introduces photos related to Kazik to the Ambassador of the Republic of Poland to Vietnam.

Hoi An celebrated the 25th death anniversary of Polish architect Kazimierz Kwiatkowsky, or Kazik, who passed away on March 19, 1997, on March 18.

Kazik was a great friend of Hoi An. The architect was devoted to preserving Hoi An's old town, introducing the town's architectural heritage to the international community.

The event was attended by Wojciech Gerwel, Polish Ambassador to Vietnam, Tran Van Tan, Vice President of Hoi An People's Committee, and those who admired the architect.

Former Secretary of Hoi An Party Committee Nguyen Su talked about Kazik's legacy in Hoi An.

An architect who dedicate to Hoi An

Late architect Kazik, born in 1944, was a Polish conservationist associated with preserving cultural heritage in Vietnam, particularly in Hoi An.

Hoi An students received books about Kazik.

Since the early 1980s, he volunteered to do an archaeological survey in My Son, Vietnam. He worked in My Son for 16 years.

In 1981, architect Kazik got to know Hoi An and quickly realized the outstanding values of the town. He worked hard to introduce the town to global tourism.

Vice-Chairman of Hoi An People's Committee Tran Van Tan laid a wreath in memory of architect Kazik.

Nguyen Su, former Secretary of Hoi An City Party Committee, said Kazik was among those who laid the foundation for Hoi An's World Cultural Heritage title. He worked seven days a week with all agencies to prepare all documents so that the ancient town was regarded as Vietnam's national historical and cultural relic in 1985.

According to Nguyen Van Son, chairman of Hoi An People's Committee, Kazik made essential contributions to the restoration and preservation of Hoi An heritage. During 20 years of asking UNESCO to recognize Hoi An as World Cultural Heritage, Kazik and his colleagues encountered countless challenges. However, under no circumstances did they give up.

Leaders of Hoi An at Kazik's statue.

Kazik remains in Hoi An hearts

Kazik passed away in 2007, unable to witness Hoi An gaining UNESCO title. In 2007, Hoi An built a park in the town center and placed a bust of Kazik to commemorate his legacy.

Kazik statue in a park in Hoi An.

Professor Hoang Dao Kinh, who worked with architect Kazik for years, said rarely had any architect had the honor to have his statue in Vietnam. Kazik's statue expresses the appreciation of Hoi An authorities and people for his lifetime of contribution.

"It is already precious that a citizen loves and protects the cultural heritage of his country. However, it is rare and astonishing that a foreigner is passionate about protecting Vietnam's culture. Kazik is a special person," said Hoang Dao Kinh.

Professor and architect Hoang Dao Kinh worked with architect Kazik for years.

Wojciech Gerwel, Ambassador of the Republic of Poland to Vietnam, said he appreciated Kazik's dedication to Hoi An and Hoi An's gratitude to the architect.

He said the park where the Kazik statue was placed was among symbols representing the excellent friendship between Vietnam and Poland. Kazik himself has become a bridge to connect the two countries.

Wojciech Gerwel, Ambassador of the Republic of Poland to Vietnam.

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