VietNamNet Bridge – An exhibition displaying old photos and documents relating to the fight of the Vietnamese people against French-Spanish coalition forces in Da Nang in 1858-60 opened at the Nghĩia Trung Hoa Vang (the Hoa Vang Martyrs Cemetery) in Cam Le District on August 29.

Candlelight: A ceremony to commemorate the martyrs who died during the fight against French-Spanish coalition forces in Da Nang in 1858-60. — Photo courtesy Da Nang Newspaper Looking on: Visitors join an exhibition in commemoration of the 160th anniversary of the fight against French and Spanish forces at the Nghia Trung Hoa Vang (the Hoa Vang Martyrs Cemetery) in Cam Le District. — VNS Photo Le Lam

The exhibition, which is part of a series of activities commemorating the 160th anniversary of the fighting in previous century, features 85 documents and photos of the fight of Nguyen Tri Phuong (1800-73), a famous general who commanded an army and civilians against the French-Spanish coalition forces.

Da Nang still preserves two martyr cemeteries – the Hoa Vang and Nghia Ninh – in which more than 4,300 civilians and soldiers killed during the 1858-60 battles with the French-Spanish forces are buried.

Hero: Statue of Nguyen Tri Phuong (1800-73), a famous general who commanded an army and civilians in fighting against French-Spanish coalition forces in 1858-60, set up at the Dien Hai Citadel. — VNS Photo Cong Thanh Still up: A corner wall of the Dien Hai Citadel. — VNS Photo Cong Thanh

The two cemeteries were built in 1886-1876 under King Tu Duc in memory of the soldiers, commanders and civilians who died in the country’s defence.

The event also aims to make clear the role of Da Nang and the Dien Hai Citadel in the defence against attacks by French-Spanish coalition forces and the withdrawal of the invaders.

Powerful: A cannon displayed at the Dien Hai Citadel. The weapon was used during the fight with French-Spanish forces 1858-60. — VNS Photo Cong Thanh Black and white: An old photo of the Han River Port in Da Nang from previous centuries. — VNS Photo Cong Thanh

Last year, the city proposed that 11 iron cannons cast during the Nguyen Dynasty between 1802 and 1860 and unearthed at the Dien Hai Citadel between 1979 and 2008 be recognised as a national treasure.

The exhibition will open to the public and last until the National Day (September 2).

A commemoration ceremony for the martyrs will be held at the Hoa Vang Martyrs Cemetery on the night of August 30, while a seminar on the fighting will take place at the city’s administrative centre on August 31.

Fallen foes: A stele inscribed in French at the Graveyard of the French troops that were killed in the fighting from 1858-60 in Da Nang. — VNS Photo Cong Thanh Standing strong: A gate of the Dien Hai Citadel. The site was seen as a key military post in the defence against invaders’ attacks. — VNS Photo Cong Thanh

Da Nang has began restoring the Dien Hai Citadel built in 1813 – a National Special Relic – and a collection of cannons that are closely linked to General Phuong, and army troops and civilians in fighting against the French-Spanish forces.

The city has also preserved the graveyard of French and Spanish soldiers who died during the fighting near Tien Sa Port. 

Source: VNS