Postcards, old movie discs, stacks of books and magazines, and countless Matryoshka dolls are cherished collections among Da Nang locals, each a testament to a connection with far-off Russia. There are numerous reasons for this fascination, though most collectors are captivated by the culture and people of this vast land.

Mr. Tran Thanh Phong owns nearly 2,000 postcards featuring film actors produced during the Soviet era. Photo: T.Y

1. During the 1960s to the 1990s, Soviet postcards became treasured keepsakes in Viet Nam, especially as Soviet cinema flourished with popular films like Battleship Potemkin, The Cranes Are Flying, Ballad of a Soldier, War and Peace, and Happiness of the Farmstead. These cinematic postcards, featuring famous actors, became coveted items among youth.

Tran Thanh Phong, a resident of Son Tra District, owns nearly 2,000 such postcards from the Soviet era. His collection is not only a hobby but also a bridge to a cherished world of art and culture. Phong’s home holds a dedicated space with nearly 400 DVDs, countless postcards, books, and photo albums, all showcasing Soviet cinema. In another corner, he displays mementos brought back from Russia, including lacquerware, birchwood paintings, and iconic Matryoshka dolls.

Phong fondly recalls the legendary actors of Soviet cinema, whose performances left a lasting impression on him. “Actors like Vyacheslav Tikhonov and Natalya Varley represent the essence of professionalism and the humanistic beauty of Soviet cinema,” he shared. For Phong, each postcard is a portal to history, a way to connect with a culture he deeply admires.

Having first discovered Soviet postcards during his school years, Phong’s collection grew with help from his sister, who studied in the Soviet Union in the 1970s. Her frequent gifts of postcards nurtured his passion, which eventually blossomed into a collection of thousands.

2. Located in the Russian Department of Da Nang University of Foreign Language Studies, the “Russian World” reading room houses over 600 Russian books, magazines, and journals. The room’s cosy, well-organized space features a mix of cultural symbols, from Matryoshka dolls and Samovar tea kettles to birchwood liquor flasks. The walls are adorned with colourful reliefs and pictures, creating a distinctly Russian atmosphere.

Nguyen Thi Trinh Luong, a dedicated Russian language teacher, explains that the reading room was founded by the Russian World Foundation. It’s one of Da Nang’s rare sources of comprehensive information on Russia. In addition to materials provided by the foundation, Luong and other faculty members often contribute books they find during their own research. “We want this place to be a cultural exchange hub where students can appreciate Russian culture and feel inspired to treat it as their second language,” she said.

Pointing to a red banner displaying a famous quote by poet Anna Akhmatova, Luong explained its significance: “We will always cherish you, Russian language. We pledge to keep you free and pure for future generations”. The reading room is open daily for anyone interested in Russian language, culture, or even science and technology. Cultural events, film screenings, and literary discussions frequently bring the room to life, enabling visitors to immerse themselves in Russian stories.

3. The vibrant colours and joyful images on Matryoshka dolls captivated Huynh Cong Tuan from Lien Chieu District the moment he set foot in Russia. Each doll, from simple to intricate, seemed to tell its own story. In awe, Tuan bought a set as a keepsake and began exploring the cultural significance behind each design.

“Every Matryoshka doll, whether simple or complex, is like a miniature work of art, a tale of Russian people and landscapes,” Tuan said. His collection now includes works by Natalia Kuznhesova, a Russian artist celebrated for her meticulous painting of snowy rural landscapes and traditional winter attire.

Tuan’s passion for Matryoshka dolls inspired him to open a small shop on Ton Duc Thang Street in Da Nang, where he introduces visitors to the story behind each doll. His shop, warmly decorated with Russian souvenirs, serves as a bridge for locals who share a love for Russian culture.

Young visitors and those who have studied or lived in Russia often visit Tuan’s shop to reminisce about Russia. Conversations frequently stretch late into the evening, as people share memories of snowy landscapes, Russian music, or vodka-fuelled gatherings by the fire. For many, Russia is more than a distant land; it’s a chapter in their lives filled with nostalgia and profound appreciation.

Through these personal collections, Russia remains an integral part of the lives and memories of Da Nang’s locals, a testament to the enduring cultural bond between two distant lands.

Reporting by TIEU YEN - Translating by TRUC VY