Heritage becomes a bridge of knowledge in Vietnam-France relations
VOV.VN - A symposium and a special exhibition recently held in Montpellier have highlighted the role of cultural heritage as a bridge for knowledge exchange, cultural dialogue and academic cooperation between Vietnam and France.
The events took place on June 22 at the Saint-Charles campus of Paul-Valéry Montpellier 3 University as part of activities marking the 950th anniversary of Quoc Tu Giam (Temple of Literature 1076-2026), Vietnam’s first national school.
Jointly organised by Hanoi's Department of Culture and Sports, the Centre for Cultural and Scientific Activities of the Temple of Literature, and Paul-Valéry Montpellier 3 University, the programme brought together scholars, researchers, lecturers and students from both countries.
In his remarks, Dr. Le Xuan Kieu, director of the Centre for Cultural and Scientific Activities of the Temple of Literature, reviewed the history and development of Van Mieu-Quoc Tu Giam and its role in Vietnam-France cooperation. He also acknowledged contributions made by scholars, architects, and experts from both countries to the research, preservation, and promotion of the site's heritage value so far.
He emphasised that cooperation between Vietnam and France in the field of heritage preservation has been built through generations of collaboration. Heritage is not only a repository of historical values but also a platform for knowledge exchange, mutual understanding and international cooperation.
Sharing the view, Professor Pierre Journoud from Paul-Valéry Montpellier 3 University noted that the symposium underscored the important role of cultural heritage in advancing Vietnam-France relations and opening new opportunities for cooperation in heritage preservation and promotion.
He informed that the DU Tremplin pour le Vietnam academic programme has adopted the iconic gate of the Temple of Literature as its symbol, reflecting the site's enduring significance as a space for learning, dialogue and creativity between cultures.
Presentations at the seminar focused on various topics, such as the role of historical heritage in France-Vietnam relations; Vietnam’s trans-cultural feature in heritage conservation; cultural dialogue between 1976 and 1997; the transformation of Vietnam’s museum system in the post-colonial era; and Vietnamese perceptions of the French language and culture.
Immediately after the symposium, delegates visited the exhibition on Quoc Tu Giam held at the Saint-Charles campus of Paul-Valéry Montpellier 3 University.
The exhibition traces nearly a millennium of history, from the establishment of the Temple of Literature under the Ly Dynasty to its role as Vietnam's leading centre of education and talent cultivation.
Through photographs, archival materials and interpretive displays, French audiences gained deeper insight into Vietnam's long-standing tradition of learning and its rich educational heritage.
Hanoi Temple of Literature marks 950 years with ‘Garden of Light’ display
VOV.VN - The Temple of Literature in Hanoi, a designated special national relic, has been transformed into a “Garden of Light” featuring hundreds of lanterns crafted by artisans nationwide to mark the 950th anniversary of Vietnam’s first national university.
