Van Mieu – Quoc Tu Giam is a place where Vietnamese cultural tradition  is preserved and promoted.  The site introduces Vietnamese culture to visitors from all over the world including political delegations and heads of state. This landmark is a popular tourist attraction with about 1.5 million domestic and foreign visitors every year.

The impressions and emotions of high ranking official delegations from different countries were writen in the guestbook of Van Mieu – Quoc Tu Giam. These impressions express appreciation of  this landmark and the cultural values and traditions of the Vietnamese nation. We would like to share some impressions of govement officals and heads of state from different countries after visiting the Landmark.

King and Queen of Cambodia, King Norodom Sihanuk and Queen Monicath visited Van Mieu – Quoc Tu Giam in 1995. The King wrote: “Van Mieu – Quoc tu Giam is symbol of the ancient and admirable culture of a heroic Vietnamese nation. From the ancient time until today, a respecful nation has organized a perfect education in order to enhance the cultural knowledge for young people aimed to select and give the successful men the important positions of state govement, not dependent on their origin. I admire The Socialist Repuplic of Viet Nam for protection and restoration of the invaluable landmarks and sacred heritages of Nation”.

In 2010, General Director of  UNESCO, Mrs. Irina Bokova visited Van Mieu – Quoc Tu Giam on the occasion of the 1000^th anniversary celebration  of Thang Long – Ha Noi. She wrote: “I would like to congratulate the Vietnamese government and the Vietnamese people for preserving this wonderful temple and monument that testifies to the extraordinary and rich historic and cultural heritage of Vietnam.

Be proud of it! UNESCO is happy to be associated with the celebration of the 1000 years of the establishment of Thang Long Ha Noi and to inscribe the Imperial Citadel into the World Heritage List!  With a most sincere friendship and resepct”.

In November, 2000 President of the United States, Mr.William J. Clinton visited Van Mieu – Quoc Tu Giam. He wrote: “With appreciation for the most interesting tour of your historic site and deep appreciation for the rich history and cultural values which are captured here for all time.

William J. Clinton”

President of Russia Mr.Vladimir Putin wrote: “Vietnam culture is one of the most diverse, rich and continuous cultures in the world. Based on that, the people of Vietnam will definitely fulfill all the tasks of developing the country.”

On 25 November 2005 Governor General of New Zealand, Honorable Dame Silvia Cartwright  visited Van Mieu – Quoc tu Giam wrote: “It is a privilege to visit the Temple of Literature.  Where so many learned Vietnamese studied.  The importance placed on education for all is impressive and instructive for all people”

On 16 September 2014 President of Republic of India, Mr. Pranab Mukherjee visited Van Mieu – Quoc Tu Giam and he wrote: “ I am very happy to be here at this ancient temple of Confucius which for centuries has hosted Vietnam’s Imperial Academy. I am deeply impressed by its well preserved architectural features that evoked the majesty of a bygone era. As I walked through its hallowed chambers and courtyards, I marveled at the traditional systems of learning of this great nation. India and Vietnam are once again connecting and cooperating in the preservation of our shared cultural heritage and in the revival of the historic Nalanda University. I am confident that such linkages will inspire the coming generations of India and Vietnam to build on the long-standing friendship and cooperation between our two countries.”

President of Nigeria, Mr. Olusegun Obasanjo wrote: “Well preserved historical and cultural heritage for Vietnam and for the world.  We are the most grateful to drink deep out of the legacies of past sages and men who created the old Vietnam so that there can be a new Vietnam. 

It is very instructive that ages ago the importance of good education for those serving the Court of the kings was understood and appreciated.  Poor advisors will produce bad king.  As it was then, it is now and it is likely to remain so in the future”.

Deputy President KgalemaMottanthe wrote: “The South African delegation led by Deputy President KgalemaMottanthehas been inspired by the ambience of this great fountain head of knowledge and education.

Through our eyes we have seen and through our mouths we have imbibed the lesson of morality.  As we leave this shrine our hearts have been ignited with the glow of education and enlightenment.

KgalemaMottanthe”

State Minister in charge of the Ministry of Cultural Affairs, Government of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh wrote: “The visit to Literature Temple is a unique experience by itself.  In fact the visit to Vietnam would have been incomplete without a visit to this thousand year old heritage site which reflects the long tradition and culture of Vietnam.   This portrays the commitment of the Vietnamese people to their culture, tradition and education particularly. 

Selima Rahman

Translator: Le Huong