Réplique d'armes anciennes

A Journey Through History in Binh Dinh - Quy Nhon, Vietnam

 

My recent trip to Binh Dinh - Quy Nhon was more than a travel journey; it was a pilgrimage into the past. Though it was my second visit to this historic region, this time I was determined to visit the memorial and tomb of General Vo Tanh, a figure deeply rooted in my family’s history. Bearing the last name Vo, two branches of my family trace their lineage back to this heroic figure.

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Under the hot sun, we ventured to this desolate site, rarely frequented by tourists. The tomb of General Vo Tanh, who played a crucial role in the 18th century and was a brother-in-law to King Gia Long, stood solemnly. Nearby, archaeological finds like a half-moon pool and a rare Champa unicorn relic hinted at the site's ancient significance as the Forbidden Citadel of the Champa Kingdom.

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Walking through the lush green fields (symbol of life) to the octagonal memorial temple, I reflected on the general's life. This very spot was where Vo Tanh endure the siege laid on the citadel by the Tay Son dynasty forces, allowing his brother-in-law to mount a decisive attack on Hue.

 

I was more intrigued by Vo Tanh, the man, than the general. He must have been a devoted husband and a leader who chose to send a letter to the Tay Son commander to spare his soldiers' lives before he took his own.

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The most poignant moment was discovering a second, smaller tomb beside Vo Tanh's. Initially thinking it belonged to his wife, I found it was the resting place of Ngo Tung Chau, a mandarin who chose to die alongside the general. Our group walked with the weight of history, honoring a figure largely forgotten by contemporary society but immortalized in our family's legacy. This journey was a powerful reminder of our roots and the sacrifices made by our ancestors.

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This visit was a deeply personal experience, shedding light on a historical figure whose legacy lives on in my family’s genealogy. The weight of history felt palpable as we strolled through time, paying homage to a man whose story deserves to be remembered.

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