A grand ceremony to celebrate the 1,080th anniversary of King Ngo Quyen’s ascent to the throne in the year 939 in Co Loa citadel, now in Dong Anh district in the northern outskirts of Hanoi was held on April 20.
Present at the celebration organized by Hanoi authorities included Politburo Member cum General Secretary of the municipal Party Committee Hoàng Trung Hải and Vice President of the State Đặng Thị Ngọc Thịnh.
Ngo Quyen founded the Ngo dynasty and moved the capital to Co Loa, located on the outskirts of current Hanoi, after he was proclaimed king of the nation in 939. The former king chose Co Loa as the capital in respect for the previous kings and the ancestry of the nation.
The event where Ngô Quyền self-proclaimed as King and moved the capital to Co Loa Citadel after the famous Bach Dang Victory under his leadership ended 1,000 years of Chinese domination dating back to 111 BC under the Han dynasty and opened the new history of independence and sovereignty for Vietnamese people.
The event played a crucial role in the country’s history not only for bringing peace and freedom to the people but also for foiling the Chinese’s evil scheme of assimilating the Vietnamese.
Bach Dang Victory paved the way for the preservation of Vietnamese traditions and culture, marking the new era of Vietnam history.
A reenactment of Bach Dang Victory by King Ngo Quyen as part of the celebration of 1,080 years of independence. Photo: Vietnam News Agency
During the celebration, Vice Chairman of Hanoi Ngô Văn Quý retold the story of the national hero while also reminding people of the contribution he made for the country.
The celebration emphasized the historical importance of Ngo Quyen both as a national hero and a king, nourishing patriotism among Vietnamese, Quý said in his speech.
Associated Professor Trần Quốc Cường, Director of Vietnamese Association For Studies of History, expressed his profound feelings how the former king was properly commemorated in the celebration, while also expressing his desire that more similar events will be held in the near future so the selfless contributions of the national hero can be well appreciated.
Moreover, the expert hopes that the city is going to build a shrine to Ngo Quyen in Co Loa Citadel.
The event taking place in the national special relic site of Co Loa featured performances of traditional drums and historical episodes recalling Bach Dang victory and the reclamation by King Ngô Quyền, as well as cultural performances and folk games for celebrating historical events.
PTT
