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Ong Ich Khiem's tomb

DA NANG Today
Published: July 12, 2013

Located in the Hoa Tho Commune Cemetery, Hoa Vang District, just about 10km southwest of Da Nang, Ong Ich Khiem’s tomb was recognised as a national relic on 12 July 2001 by the Ministry of Culture and Information.

Ong Ich Khiem was also known as Muc Chi, and he was born on 21 December 1829 in Phong Le Village, Dien Ban District, Quang Nam Province (now called Phong Bac Residential Area, Cam Le District, Da Nang).

Ong Ich Khiem successfully passed his Bachelor's examination in 1847 and then became a mandarin in the court of Emperor Tu Duc.  He was known for his intelligence and tenacity.  He was also a talented general, and was well versed in strategic planning.  He made a significant contribution to the protection of Da Nang after defeating attacks by French invaders on 1 September 1858.  At that time, under the leadership of Governor Nguyen Tri Phuong, Ong Ich Khiem consolidated such army posts as Nhat, Lien Tri and Phong Le, as well as building a rampart stretching from Hai Chau to Phuoc Ninh.

Ong Ich Khiem died on 19 July 1884 in Binh Thuan Province.  He was then buried at his birthplace in Phong Le Village.  Later, he was reburied in the Hoa Tho cemetery.

His octagonal-shaped tomb is surrounded by a 0.72m high wall, and it measures 13.8m long by 6.1m wide.  His grave is 4.75m long, 3.5m wide and 0.35m high.  In front of his grave, there is a stele house in which a 0.83m-high marble stele is erected which has a carved phoenix and dragon with flower engravings.  It is a truly amazing “must-see” attraction when you are exploring our seaside city.
 

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