A scientific workshop titled “Da Nang’s fight against French-Spanish coalition forces during 1858-1860: Past and Present” was held in the central coastal city of Da Nang on  31 August with the participation of domestic and foreign cultural managers, researchers, historians, and architects.

At the workshop (Source: http://toquoc.vn)

It was 160 years ago when the French-Spanish coalition forces fired the first shots, looking to invade Viet Nam. Da Nang became a powerful emblem for the whole country during its mission of national defence, with many heroic displays at battlefields such as Cua Han (mouth of Han River).

For over 18 months from 1 September, 1858 to 23 March, 1860, the French-Spanish alliance continued to open attacks on Da Nang in their invasion attempts.

However, with courage, intelligence, and creativity, the Vietnamese army and people fought hard to defeat the quick-win plan of the invaders, forcing them to withdraw from Da Nang.

The workshop participants discussed historical milestones in the fight and highlighted the strategic geopolitical position of Da Nang and the role of generals such as Dao Tri, Le Dinh Ly, and Nguyen Tri Phuong in battlefields, as well as of locals.

They also talked about the preservation and development of Da Nang in the 21^st century; the management, conservation, and promotion of heritage value of national relic site of Dien Hai citadel; Da Nang international relations; and Da Nang’s historical urban architecture, among others.

Vice Chairman of the municipal People’s Committee Dang Viet Dung said Da Nang is on the path of industrialisation and modernisation, striving to become a city people are proud to live in.

The national patriotic and revolutionary tradition is a significant contributor to the city’s growth, he said.

The workshop is expected to give an insight into the city’s patriotism and revolutionary tradition, he added.

(Source: VNA)