The old Imperial capitol of Hue City was recently declared a world historical site. This sacred and magnificant citadel is a monument to the glorious culture of Vietnam and should be preserved for all generations. Due to the ravages of the war and the inept economic policies of the socialist government however, efforts to rebuild and restore have been hampered and much of the city has fallen into disrepair. To combat this, as well as to set right a past injustice and keep Vietnamese traditions alive, we propose that the Holy Citadel be returned, at least in part, to the Nguyen Dynasty, whose ancestor Gia Long built from its foundations. In other countries royal palaces have recently been returned to their proper royal rulers and Vietnam should do likewise.
Even if the country as a whole refuses to change, the Great Interior can be restored and handed over to the Dynasty with the citadel or at least parts of the Yellow Enclosure becoming a cultural enclave where the traditions of the Vietnamese monarchy can be carried out. For a better idea, look at the Chinese example from 1912 until 1924 when the Emperor, though no longer reigning over the country, was allowed to stay in the Forbidden City with his family and courtiers and continue as the dynasty had for centuries. Naturally there will be differences, but the Forbidden Purple City could be restored as a residence for the members of the dynasty who wish to stay there with the Yellow Enclosure becoming a 'monarchy preserve' where the people can view the real life way their country functioned before the communist takeover.
The government in Hanoi would not be expected to go to any extra expense since it would be the private property of the Nguyen Dynasty with special stipulations that the public be allowed to tour certain areas at certain times and with other guidelines, probably the government would insist on the Dynasty not speaking out on political matters. It may even benefit the current government (though that doesn't sound very appealing) with the loyalists among the population able to take comfort in the fact that while Hanoi may still rule at least the Emperor is still the Emperor inside the Yellow Enclosure and the Forbidden City. The state would not be obliged to recognize the family's status and there would likely be regulations that no special treatment will be allowed when any family members travel outside the Great Interior but it would nonetheless correct a great wrong of history, give back the Dynasty what is their's as well as providing the public with a most true to life living historical museum where they could see the workings of the Imperial system first-hand.
We appeal to all Vietnamese exiles and friends of the Great South to write letters, spread the idea or do whatever they can to promote the idea of returning the Great Interior to the Nguyen Dynasty. |
