On the morning of Oct. 6, as part of his official visit to Vietnam, President Mulino and the First Lady Maricel Cohen De Mulino toured the Temple of Literature, known in Vietnamese as Van Mieu - Quoc Tu Giam.

Walking through the site that once housed Vietnam's first university on a mild, sunny autumn morning in Hanoi, the couple heard about the history and architecture of the historic complex.

They viewed its ancient structures and stopped at landmarks including Khue Van Pavilion, the garden containing the Doctors' Stelae and the Dai Thanh Sanctuary.

The president showed particular interest in the historical, cultural and artistic significance of the 82 Doctors' Stelae, which are recognized as documentary heritage.

He expressed appreciation for Vietnam's traditions of valuing education, respecting teachers and honoring talented people.

The president also spent considerable time viewing and learning about the wooden artwork "Vinh quy bai to," which depicts the traditional journey of a successful scholar returning home to honor his ancestors.

The artwork vividly traces the scholarly path from studying with a village teacher in childhood through successive levels of imperial examinations, culminating in recognition by the royal court and a ceremonial return to the scholar's home village.

An exhibition titled "Sac tam," currently being held at the Temple of Literature, features a range of distinctive artworks and products made from agarwood.

President Mulino and the First Lady learned about a rare 80kg piece of agarwood known as tram toc bong. The fragrant wood is considered highly valuable and is traditionally associated with spiritual and feng shui significance.

At an altar dedicated to renowned Vietnamese educator Chu Van An, the delegation heard about the life and career of a figure widely regarded in Vietnam as an enduring model of an exemplary teacher.

The president and the First Lady also sounded the ceremonial "Thunder Drum" within the Temple of Literature complex.

Today, the historic site is one of Hanoi's major cultural attractions, drawing visitors from Vietnam and abroad.

It also hosts activities honoring Vietnam's tradition of respect for teachers and celebrating the dedication to learning among students from across the country.

Numerous foreign leaders and dignitaries have included the Temple of Literature among the cultural sites they visit while in Hanoi.

Tran Thuong