Regarding the proposal to keep the basement at the headquarters of 20 Tran Nguyen Han (when implementing the planning to renovate the space east of Hoan Kiem Lake) to include in cultural tourism when the cultural industry is being promoted, Lao Dong reporter had an interview with Associate Professor, Dr. Bui Hoai Son - full-time member of the National Assembly's Committee on Culture and Society.
Lao Dong Newspaper has just published an article about the basement over 100 years old in the premises of the Northern Power Corporation - No. 20 Tran Nguyen Han. Have you known or heard about this tunnel before?
Although I know quite well about the Hoan Kiem Lake area, I have not really heard anyone talk about this tunnel. I think this is an important discovery for us to better understand the history of the central area of the capital.
The total area of the basement is about more than 10m2, built more than 100 years ago with the building of the Northern Power Corporation. The tunnel was used for workers at the Hoan Kiem Lake Lighting Factory to take shelter from bombs when the US escalated the bombing of the North and Hanoi from 1966 to 1972). How do you personally evaluate the historical value of this tunnel?
The discovery of a shelter for electricity workers during the war right in the center of the capital really touched me.
The pieces that were thought to have been buried over the years suddenly revived, reminding us of a fierce but proud period of the nation. Although the tunnel is small, it is a silent witness to the indomitable spirit, the efforts to preserve the light of the capital amid the fierceness of war.
How do you feel when reading this information, in the context of us preparing to celebrate the 50th anniversary of national reunification?
In the context that we are entering the 50th anniversary of the country's reunification, the value of the tunnel is not only in its pure technique or history, but also evokes a cultural symbol - a symbol of the brave heart, of the simple people who have silently contributed to the victory of the nation.
I believe that it is these spaces that will help today's younger generations understand more deeply about the past, thereby fostering a spirit of patriotism and responsibility for the present and the future.
The tunnel is currently located in the "four-sided" area of the planning project to renovate the space east of Hoan Kiem Lake. Some experts believe that if the tunnel has historical value, it should be kept and exploited for tourism. What is your view on this issue?
The fact that the tunnel is located in the "four-sided" area of the planning project to renovate the space east of Hoan Kiem Lake is an opportunity - not an obstacle - so that we can connect the past with the present vividly.
We are facing great changes in the Hoan Kiem Lake area: Ham Ca Map Building - an architectural work of Hanoi for decades - may be demolished, public space is being renovated with the goal of civilization and modernity. But right now, we need to preserve and highlight the historical values that have been forgotten. Don't let the speed of urbanization make us accidentally leave behind the valuable anniversary.
If the tunnel is preserved and integrated into the journey to explore Hoan Kiem Lake - whether it is a cultural tour or an on-site museum - this will be an emotional highlight in the heart of Hanoi.
Many authorities do not yet know the existence of the tunnel. What should we do first, in your opinion?
I think the cultural and tourism sectors, and especially agencies such as the Department of Cultural Heritage, the Department of Culture & Sports, and the Hanoi Department of Tourism, need to quickly take action to assess, prepare documents, and protect the relic.
This should be seen as part of the strategy for developing the cultural industry - where history does not lie still in books, but is told through space, experience and emotions.
Sustainable development does not only lie in high-rise buildings or splendid frontages, but is the ability to preserve identity, honor collective memories and turn those into motivation for the present. And Hoan Kiem Lake - the heart of the Capital - needs to be cared for as a living being, where every stone, every meter of soil contains the soul of Hanoi for thousands of years.
Sincerely thank you!
