“Hanoi, a City Etched in Heart and Soul”: A love letter to Hanoi, as seen through the eyes and lenses of its elderly photographers.

Memorable Hanoi: A City’s Resilience and Transformation

Photographer Trinh Hai, a nonagenarian, has dedicated his life to capturing Hanoi’s essence and beauty. Photo: Jenna Duong

As autumn graced Hanoi with seasonal showers and a gentle breeze, the city welcomed a mix of emotions. Veteran photographer Trinh Hai, former Chairman of the Hanoi Elderly Photography Club, arrived at the Temple of Literature for the 19th “Hanoi in My Heart” photo exhibition. He held a collection of black-and-white documentary photos, each a testament to the city’s rich history. As he walked through the exhibition, he paused contemplatively before each image, allowing the memories they evoked to wash over him.

Reflecting on a black-and-white photo titled “Prime Minister Pham Van Dong and Missile Troops Protecting the Fatherland,” Trinh Hai shared his pride in participating in the exhibition as Hanoi approached its 70th anniversary of Liberation. “My contributions this year focus primarily on the period of resistance against the US,” he added.

Trinh Hai’s photo captures Prime Minister Pham Van Dong with missile troops.

The 19th “Hanoi in My Heart” photo exhibition, themed “Hanoi’s Spectacular Rise,” is currently being organized by the Economic and Urban Newspaper in collaboration with the Hanoi Elderly Photography Club at the Temple of Literature. This meaningful event celebrates the 70th anniversary of the Capital’s Liberation, marking a significant milestone for the city.

For photographers and visitors alike, the exhibition offers a cultural rendezvous, providing an opportunity to admire stunning images that capture Hanoi’s essence. These cherished works, created and preserved by artists, are presented in captivating ways, inviting viewers to embark on a journey through time.

“I had the opportunity to travel to Cambodia twice while working with a press agency,” Hai recalled. “I trained photojournalists and helped set up darkrooms. When I returned in 1988, I learned that the film cabinet was at risk of being burned due to termite damage. I intervened and saved many valuable works, including the photos featured here, which remain relevant today.”

Trinh Hai’s photo of Kham Thien Street after a US bombing in December 1972.

Approaching a photo titled “Kham Thien Street Devastated by B-52 Bombers in 1972,” Hai reflected on the exhibition’s theme, “Hanoi’s Spectacular Rise.” He noted the significant improvements in the living conditions of Hanoi’s residents since the challenging subsidy period, thanks to innovations by the Party and State, as well as the dedicated efforts of municipal authorities.

Capturing Historic Milestones: Vietnam Reunification Day

The works of photographer Nguyen Huu Nen left a lasting impression on exhibition visitors. His photos not only showcase his artistic talent but also capture significant milestones in Hanoi’s history, including the joyous atmosphere during the South’s liberation and the country’s reunification.

Photographer Nguyen Huu Nen, 87, shares insights about his works. Photo: Jenna Duong

“I captured photos in 1975 while working for the Vietnam News Agency,” Huu Nen shared. “One memorable shot was taken from the roof of a tall building near August Revolution Square, capturing the grand celebration filled with emotion and pride.” His notable works include “Rally to Celebrate the Liberation of the South and the Reunification of the Country” and “Hanoi Children Marching to Celebrate,” among others.

Huu Nen’s photo captures the rally celebration at August Revolution Square in 1975.

Huu Nen continued to meticulously document Hanoi’s story, capturing iconic landmarks, festivals, and traditional craft villages. His work spans nearly four decades, offering a glimpse into the city’s evolution and construction. While his photos may not be flashy, they hold historical significance, allowing viewers to connect with the “essence of Hanoi.”

Some of his photos on display at the exhibition include “Children Visiting Uncle Ho’s Stilt House at the Presidential Palace in 1977,” “Nhat Tan Kumquat Garden, 1990,” and “Peaceful Countryside in Quoc Oai District, 2002,” to name a few.

A Tranquil Hanoi: Capturing the City’s Soul

Photographer Van Phuc, 86, has captured Hanoi’s essence in his works. Photo: Thanh Hai

Van Phuc, a renowned Hanoi photographer and long-serving president of the Hanoi Elderly Photography Club, has left his mark on the exhibition. His notable works include “Thong Nhat Park in 1965,” “Peaceful Afternoon at Hoan Kiem Lake in 1976,” and “All for the Frontline,” capturing the dedication of female workers at the March 8 textile factory in 1965.

These images recount the glorious historical days when the people of Hanoi united in their hard work and resourcefulness to support the war effort against America before 1975. Van Phuc shared his inspiration: “As a child of this city, I love Hanoi—its people, its landscapes. I find beauty in the simple things, like the tranquility of Hoan Kiem Lake or the quaint houses of the Old Quarter.”

Van Phuc’s photo captures the peaceful atmosphere of Hoan Kiem Lake in 1976.

The 19th “Hanoi in My Heart” photo exhibition will run until October 10 at the Temple of Literature before moving on to Hanoi’s Cat Linh Sky Train Station and the Hanoi Museum, spreading the love for Hanoi far and wide.

Van Phuc’s historic photo captures the inauguration of the Thong Nhat (Reunification) Train in 1976.

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