Summary of phd thesis today’s preservation and development of cultural heritage in thua thien hue province

Task To realize the above objective, the thesis has two tasks: - Clarify theoretical basis of the preservation and promotion ofcultural heritage in Vietnam at present.. Object of study T

TRAN THI HONG MINH

Today’s preservation and development of

cultural Heritage IN THUA THIEN HUE

Ho Chi Minh National Politics Academy

Scientific supervisor: PROF DR NGUYEN HUNG HAU

At hour on date month year 2014

The thesis can be found at the National Library and Ho Chi Minh National Politics Academy

1 Necessity of the theme

TTH is an attractive national and international cultural and touristcenter of which two cultural heritages have been recognized as mankindheritages by UNESCO This place stores many physical and nonphysicalcultural heritages inside containing many values symbolizing the mind andsoul of Vietnamese people Over the past years, with the consideration ofthe Communist Party of Vietnam and the Government of Vietnam,together with the assistance from the international community, especiallythe enthusiastic participation by local governments, cadres, Party membersand people of TTH, the restoration, preservation and promotion of culturalheritages in TTH have gained great changes and achieved many bigachievements, overcome the difficult period and stepped into the stabledevelopment period in a sustainable manner

However, due to the heavy consequences of wars and destruction bythe acts of God, many cultural monuments in TTH are regularlythreatened The efforts in the restoration and protection of cultural heritagehave failed to meet the requirements of a complex of large-scaled,diversified and complicated monuments that cannot match the inherentcultural potential of TTH The subject role of TTH people in preservingand promoting cultural heritage is not confirmed

What should be done to overcome the above situation so that thevalues of cultural heritage of TTH continue to be promoted effectively,contribute to making TTH a province with firm politics, rich economy andbeautiful culture? Therefore, I choose the theme: “The preservation and promotion of cultural heritage in Thua Thien Hue at present” for my

efficiency of preservation and promotion of cultural heritages in thislocality at present.

2.2 Task

To realize the above objective, the thesis has two tasks:

- Clarify theoretical basis of the preservation and promotion ofcultural heritage in Vietnam at present In particular, clarify the conceptsrelated to the thesis such as culture, cultural heritage, preservation andpromotion of cultural heritage

- Study experience of some countries in the world on preservation andpromotion of cultural heritage On that basis, withdraw experience lessonsfor Vietnam in general and TTH province in particular

- Analyze actual condition, some issues arising from the preservationand promotion of cultural heritage in TTH at present On that basis, thethesis puts forth viewpoints as basis and some recommendations toenhance efficiency of preservation and promotion of cultural heritage inthe locality in the coming time

3 Object and scope of study of the thesis

3.1 Object of study

The thesis studies the preservation and promotion of cultural heritage

in TTH province from philosophical angle It mainly studies the actualpreservation and promotion of cultural heritage in TTH based on typicalcharacteristics associated with the complex of Hue ancient capitalmonuments managed by Hue Monuments Conservation Center

3.2 Scope of study

In terms of space: Through the actual field exploration, inheritance

from study results of the preceding works, the thesis author chooses andfocuses on surveying cultural heritages in TTH associated with Hueancient capital monuments complex

In terms of time: Study the actual preservation and promotion of

values of cultural heritages in TTH with the data limited from 1996 to

2013, solutions for the period to 2020

4 Theoretical basis and method of study of the thesis

- The thesis bases on theoretical basis of Marxism-Leninism, Ho ChiMinh ideology and the viewpoints, guidelines and policies of the

Communist Party of Vietnam, the Government of Vietnam on culture,cultural heritage, preservation and promotion of cultural heritage Practicalbasis of the thesis is to analyze experience of some countries and evaluateactual preservation and promotion of cultural heritage in TTH province.

- Based on dialectical materialism and historical materialism ofMarxism-Leninism, the thesis uses specific methods: Analysis -summarization method, information collection and processing method.Concurrently, the thesis inherits the study results related to the thesistheme

5 Scientific contributions by the thesis

- Clarify actual preservation and promotion of cultural heritage inTTH province with distinctive characteristics of a province in the keyCentral economic zone including achievements, limitations, reason andissues concerned

- Propose some basic solutions in order to enhance efficiency of thepreservation and promotion of cultural heritage in TTH province in thecoming time

6 Thesis structure

Apart from the foreword, conclusion and references, the thesis themeincludes 4 chapters and 11 sections

Chapter 1 OVERVIEW ON THE STUDY RELATED TO THE

PRESERVATION AND PROMOTION OF CULTURAL

HERITGAGE IN THUA THIEN HUE AT PRESENT

1.1 OVERALL STUDIES ON CULTURE, CULTURAL HERITAGE AND PRESERVATION, PROMOTION OF NATIONAL CULTURAL HERITAGE

Culture, cultural heritage and preservation, promotion of national cultural heritage have been studied by many scientists at various levels

and angles Culture is clarified from the formation, development andchange in the new condition Study content is the roles of culture towardsthe social life, directive viewpoints by the Communist Party of Vietnam,policies of the State of Vietnam on the conservation of cultural heritage,

experience of some countries on the conservation of cultural heritage.Scientific works have clarified the concepts of culture, cultural heritageand preservation, promotion of national cultural heritage The approach byscientific works often goes from the concept of culture and culturalheritage to discuss the establishment and development of Vietnameseculture in the new period The preservation and promotion of Vietnameseculture have been mentioned by many scientific works However, for TTHprovince, there is no systematic scientific study The thesis by the authorwill inherit tool concepts: Culture, cultural heritage and the preservation,promotion of national cultural heritage by the above scientific works torealize the set objective and task.

1.2 DIRECT STUDIES ON THE PRESERVATION AND PROMOTION

OF CULTURAL HERITAGE IN THUA THIEN HUE AT PRESENT

1.2.1 From the historical angle

The studies have provided a more diversified addition to the thesisauthor to access concretely and understand more about the architecture,types of cultural heritage in TTH to put forth some recommendations toprotect, preserve and promote such cultural heritages effectively

1.2.2 From the cultural study and cultural management angle

The articles have provided the author with an overall vision on theachievements of the preservation and promotion of cultural heritage of TTH

in the present period

As such, there are many scientific studies on the preservation andpromotion of cultural heritage with noteworthy achievements Suchachievements are of reference value thus the author has inherited anddeveloped to complete the thesis themed: “Preservation and promotion ofcultural heritage in Thua Thien Hue at present”

Conclusions and recommendations for further study by the thesis

First, over the past time, cultural heritage, preservation and promotion

of cultural heritage is one of the subjects that attract many scientists to studyand achieve noteworthy outcomes Such outcomes are of reference value forthe thesis author

Second, based on the inheritance and acquisition of study results from

the preceding scientists, the addition to the gap of unfinished study issues

to complete theoretical and practical issues of the preservation andpromotion of cultural heritage is defined by the thesis as the further studydevelopment direction.

Third, the thesis argues that there remain some issues to be further

studied:

- The thesis should clarify various concepts of culture; culturalheritage; preservation and promotion of cultural heritage; its position androle in the present social life

- The thesis views that the important factor that directly affects thepreservation and promotion of cultural heritage in TTH is the humanperception

- The thesis studies and evaluates the actual preservation andpromotion of cultural heritage in a locality in a long time, thereby seekingsolutions to enhance the efficiency of preservation and promotion ofcultural heritage in TTH at present This is a quite necessary deed that hasnot been studied by many people

Foregoing are the suggestions for the thesis theme: “Preservation and promotion of cultural heritage in Thua Thien Hue at present” to choose,

which is not coincident with any of the above scientific work in terms ofcontent and format

Chapter 2 PRESERVATION AND PROMOTION OF CULTURAL

HERITAGE IN VIETNAM AT PRESENT - SOME THEORETICAL

AND PRACTICAL ISSUES

2.1 CULTURE, CULTURAL HERITAGE AND PRESERVATION, PROMOTION OF CULTURAL HERITAGE IN VIETNAM AT PRESENT 2.1.1 Concept of culture and cultural heritage

practical and social operation Such physical and spiritual values form the social value system which is a key element to create the distinctive identity

of a social community It can govern the psychological life and all activities of the people living in such social community.

Concept of cultural heritage

Based on the documents issued by the Communist Party of Vietnam,the State of Vietnam and the preceding authors on the cultural heritage that

we have generalized, it can be concluded that: Cultural heritage is the combination of traditional cultural assets including physical culture and physical culture in its value system, perceived by the subject, thereby preserving and promoting it in order to meet the demands and needs of the present life.

Cultural heritage contains the following factors: first, cultural heritage contains experience and living knowledge of the people Second, cultural heritage signifies right, good and useful factors and qualities Third, cultural heritage expresses cultural phenomena Forth, historic merit will

provide cultural heritage with time depth and type diversification

2.1.2 Viewpoints of UNESCO, the Community Party of Vietnam and the State of Vietnam on the preservation and promotion of cultural heritage

- Viewpoint of UNESCO on the preservation and promotion of cultural heritage.

The Former General Director of UNESCO, F Mayor emphasized that:Experience of the past two decades shows that in all present societies, inspite of economic development level or political trend, culture anddevelopment are two interactive sides (…) For any country that sets itsown economic development objective with separation from culturalenvironment, there will certainly be serious economic and culturalimbalances and the creation potential of such country will be impaired alot A true development requires optimizing human resources and financialresources of each community Therefore, above all, focuses, driving forcesand objectives of development must be found in the culture (…) Fromnow onwards, culture should regard itself as a direct addition source forthe development On the contrary, development should admit that cultureplays a central position and role in social regulation

In legal aspect, UNESCO has issued many conventions on culturalheritage protection to call for nations to act to preserve and promotecultural heritages.

- Viewpoint by the Communist Party of Vietnam and the State of Vietnam on preservation and promotion of cultural heritage.

First, the viewpoint by the Communist Party of Vietnam preservation

and promotion of cultural heritage.

The directive viewpoint by the Communist Party of Vietnam over thepast 80 years: Respecting, protecting, inheriting and promoting nationalcultural values for the comfortable and happy life, for the people’sprogress Affirming that: “Cultural heritage is the invaluable asset thatassociates the national community, serves as the core of national identity,the basis to create new values and exchange culture Extremely respectingthe preservation, inheritance and promotion of traditional cultural values(scientific and folklore), revolutionary culture, including physical cultureand nonphysical culture”

Second, the policies by the State of Vietnam on the preservation and promotion of cultural heritage.

Right after gaining the independence, on 23 November 1945, StatePresident Ho Chi Minh signed and announced the decree No 65/SL on theconservation of ancient monuments all over Vietnam In this decree, the term

“ancient monuments” is understood in the light of cultural heritage, includingphysical culture and nonphysical culture Since then, many legal documentshave been promulgated The Constitution 1992 defined the responsibility ofthe State, organizations and the people on the protection and promotion ofnational cultural heritage

With many objective and subjective factors, the Law on CulturalHeritage that was passed by the 10th National Assembly, the 9th session on14/6/2001 is regarded as the most complete document up to now on thepreservation and promotion of cultural heritage in Vietnam The Lawstipulates main contents such as concept and content of cultural heritage;scope, object of adjustment of the Law; main policies and measures of theState in order to protect cultural heritage; responsibility of the Stateauthority, organization, individual and the whole society in protecting

cultural heritage; explain terms on cultural heritage and protection,promotion of cultural heritages; define the people’s ownership managed bythe State and other forms of ownership for cultural heritage; objectives ofthe utilization and promotion of cultural heritage; prohibitions to protectcultural heritage.

2.2 POSITION AND ROLE OF CULTURAL HERITAGE FOR THE SOCIOECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

In the present period, we should perceive the position and role ofcultural heritage for the social life which are shown in some aspects asfollows:

First, cultural heritage is important part in the cultural environment

of the national communities.

Second, cultural heritage is the basic factor to create national identity, the basis to choose and create new cultural values, create favorable condition for the development of national culture in the coming period.

Third, cultural heritage is a component of the social spiritual background, of the spiritual driving force of the society.

Forth, cultural heritage is invaluable asset, is the resource for economic development of the country.

Fifth, cultural heritage is the basis for domestic and international cultural exchange, which makes the national culture and humankind culture develop in an increasingly diversified manner.

2.3 EXPERIENCE OFSOME COUNTRIES IN THE WORLD IN THE PRESERVATION AND PROMOTION OF CULTURAL HERITAGE

Through the experience of some countries such as China, Japan,Thailand, India and United Kingdom on the preservation and promotion ofcultural heritage, we can withdraw the following comment:

- Cultural heritage in general is the asset of each country, the basis toform national identity Depending on the condition of each country, thepreservation and promotion of cultural heritage, apart from the principleissues, have their distinctive characteristics However, in whatever manner,the role of culture subject still has great effect on the success or failure ofthe preservation and promotion of cultural heritage of each country

- In the preservation and promotion of cultural heritage, the key role

of the State should be considered There should be the appropriateinvestment policy from the State In the investment, it is necessary to takeinto consideration the rank and level such as experience of China Thereshould be clear classification in the management of cultural heritage such

as the experience of the United Kingdom At the same time, the State mustpay true attention to planning the conservation of cultural heritage, trainingthe staff who have good command of culture for this work, regardingcultural heritage as the national precious asset from the experience ofJapan

- It is necessary to carry out the socialization policy in the preservation

of monuments in particular and socialization policy in cultural activities ingeneral This is a very valuable experience for Vietnam to bear in mindbecause only the socialization of traditional cultural factors can preservenonphysical cultural heritages in the “living” form in the whirlwind of thecurrent strong urbanization and globalization process

- Enhance the community awareness and responsibility for thepreservation of national heritage based on intensive and extensivecommunication among walks of life on the value of cultural heritage.Through community education, promote the preservation of culturalheritage in the world integration process

- Associate the preservation and promotion of cultural heritage withgreen tourism development and international cooperation During thecultural exchange, it is necessary to try the best to propagate nationalcultural heritage, “export” national images to all over the world

Conclusion of chapter 2

In chapter 2, the thesis cites some definitions of culture and limitation

of concept of culture of the thesis to be solved

In chapter 2, the thesis analyzed the definitions of cultural heritageand argued that cultural heritage is the combination of traditional culturalassets including physical culture and nonphysical culture in its valuesystem, perceived by the subject, thereby preserving and promoting it inorder to meet the demands and needs of the present life Cultural heritageexists as an objective entity because it always associates traditional factor

with present factor It is the mirror image of the past in the present life Italways affects the mind and soul of the people Cultural heritage serves as

a “social genetic code” or “a system of values” with the important factorsthat form the national cultural identity

Chapter 3 PRESERVATION AND PROMOTION OF CULTURAL

HERITAGE IN THUA THIEN HUE AT PRESENT: ACTUALITY

AND SOME ISSUES CONCERNED

3.1 FACTORS WITH EFFECT ON THE PRESERVATION AND PROMOTION OF CULTURAL HERITAGE IN THUA THIEN HUE AT PRESENT

3.1.1 Natural and social conditions of Thua Thua Hue with effect

on the preservation and promotion of cultural heritage

- Geographical position.

TTH is one of seven provinces in the key Central economic zone.TTH covers 503,320.53 ha located on the important traffic axis from theNorth to the South, the East - West corridor axis connecting Thailand -Laos and Vietnam by the main road TTH is situated in the neutral position

of the whole country, located between Hanoi city and Ho Chi Minh citywhich are two centers of the two main development economic zones ofVietnam, located in the area with many heritages of the Central Vietnamwith convergence of humankind cultural quintessence and recognized byUNESCO with the world cultural heritages such as Hue ancient capitalmonuments complex and Hue palatial ceremonial music and song

- Topography and climate

Located in the middle of Vietnam, TTH has the transitional climateregion between the Northern Vietnam climate (North of Hai Van Pass) andthe Southern Vietnam climate, from coastal plain to high mountain Climateand hydrology regime in this province are characterized by big changes andacts of Gods such as storm and flood The outstanding characteristics of TTHclimate are the highest rainfall of the whole country, a lot of floods in thenarrow plain and difficult prevention of flooding

In terms of rain regime, the rainfall is about 2500mm/year on average.The rainy season lasts from September to February of the next year.November has the highest rainfall that occupies up to 30% of the rainfall

of the whole year Average humidity in the year is 85% - 86% Raincharacteristic in TTH is uneven Rainfall increases from the East to theWest, from the North to the South and focuses on some months with bigrain intensity, thus it is easy to cause flood and erosion It exerts greatinfluence on the life and remains a big issue for the preservation andpromotion of cultural heritages in TTH

- Socioeconomic conditions.

In terms of economic growth rate: With a view to keeping high andsustainable economic growth, in the periods, economic growth rate of TTHprovince is relatively high and stable Average economic growth rate in the

2006 2010 period was 12.1% of which service grew by 12.4%, industry construction grew by 15.7% and agriculture - forestry - fishery grew by2.1%; in 2011, this rate was 11.1% of which service grew by 12.7%,industry - construction grew by 11.6% and agriculture - forestry - fisherygrew by 3.3%; in 2012, this rate was 9.7% of which service grew by12.8%, industry - construction grew by 8.5% and agriculture - forestry -fishery grew by 2.2%

-In terms of tourist potential: TTH has diversified tourist potentialincluding natural and humanity tourist resources These resources are theconditions for development of many tourist types such as holiday tourism,sea tourism, ecotourism, cultural tourism and research tourism Hueancient capital is one of the big cultural centers of Vietnam, currentlystoring a grandiose treasure of outstanding and typical physical andnonphysical cultural resources for Vietnam national culture; the area withthe monument complex recognized by UNESCO as the humankindcultural heritage with famous palatial architecture and beauty spots; withHue palatial ceremonial music and song recognized by UNESCO as thehumankind nonphysical cultural heritage “Hue is a masterpiece of poetry,urban architecture, an exclusive city containing invaluable treasures, apeculiar museum of physical and spiritual culture of Vietnam”(UNESCO) Besides, TTH also has hundreds pagodas with unique national