The exhibition, “Nguyen Dynasty’s Diplomacy Between East and West,” offers a fascinating insight into Vietnam’s historical foreign relations. Organized by the National Archives Centre and the State Records and Archives Department, the event presents a unique collection of documents shedding light on the country’s diplomatic activities during the first 50 years of the Nguyen Dynasty’s rule, from 1802 to 1858.
For the first time, the public has access to hundreds of records detailing the dynasty’s international engagements. The exhibition is divided into two parts, with the first focusing on the Nguyen Dynasty’s relations with Western nations, particularly the UK, France, and the US. During this period, the kings from Gia Long to Tu Duc maintained a “closed-door policy” towards the West while still engaging in trade and scientific exchanges, and even purchasing arms and ammunition.
The second part of the exhibition shifts the focus to the East, highlighting the Nguyen Dynasty’s priority in fostering relationships with neighboring countries such as Lanxang (present-day Laos) and Siam (now Thailand), especially China. This section provides a valuable perspective on the dynasty’s diplomatic strategies and their impact on the region.
Through this exhibition, visitors have the opportunity to delve into the diplomatic history of the Nguyen Dynasty, which spanned from 1802 to 1945 and marked the final period of feudal rule in Vietnam. This era is divided into two distinct periods: the independent period (1802-1883) and the French colonial period (1883-1945). During its independence, the Nguyen Dynasty implemented numerous policies aimed at strengthening and developing the nation, leaving a significant imprint on the country’s history.
Exhibition showcases fine art works by typical Asian artists
NDO – An exhibition, displaying fine art works by leading Asian artists, opened at the Vincom Center for Contemporary Art (VCCA), in Hanoi, on November 5, with the participation of domestic and international artists.
A Glimpse of Hanoi’s Old Quarter
Recently, the Management Board of Hanoi’s Old Quarter cooperated with the city of Toulouse to open an exhibition named “Ke cho – Pho co” (City Dwellers – Old Quarter) at Hanoi’s Old Quarter Cultural Exchange Centre to depict the formation and development of Hanoi’s Old Quarter in the past 1000 years.
Sa Huynh Culture – Many Things Remain Unearthed
A century has passed since French archaeologists found relics that dated from 2,500 – 3,000 years ago in the Sa Huynh sand dune (in Duc Pho District, Quang Ngai Province ). New archaeological sites of the Sa Huynh culture have been continuously discovered and many diversified objects have been found…
Exhibition on Leonardo da Vinci opens Hanoi Railway Station
NDO – The Italian Embassy in Hanoi opened an exhibition on Leonardo da Vinci, as part of activities to celebrate the 500th anniversary of the death of Leonardo da Vinci (1519-2019), at the Hanoi Railway Station, on December 6.
Exhibition features Vietnam’s lands and people through lens of Hungarian photographer
NDO – A photo exhibition entitled ‘Vietnam’s heartbeats’ opened in Budapest, Hungary, on January 10 as the first event in 2020 to celebrate the 70th anniversary of Vietnam – Hungary diplomatic relations (1950 – 2020).
