Tan An city I love

Tan An, not only carries the ancient features of the early days of land opening but is also a young, dynamic city.

(Photo: Photographer Duy Bang)

Located at the gateway to Gia Dinh Palace (established in 1698 - present-day Ho Chi Minh City), very early on, the Dang Trong court had a "strategic" plan for the border area to the West in order to both protect the border and expand the territory to the new, uncultivated land.

In 1705, right after defeating the Siamese attack on Sam Khe estuary (Rach Gam, Tien Giang today), Chief Nguyen Cuu Van led his troops to station in Vung Gu (many believe that this word comes from Kompong Ku, meaning cow wharf - Tan An today). Here, he commanded the army to build a defensive line and reclaim gardens and fields.

In particular, he ordered the digging of a canal about 9km long connecting the Vung Gu canal, which was later expanded to become the Bao Dinh river, connecting the Hung Hoa river (ie Vam Co Tay) with the Tien river. "First near the market, second near the river", the Vietnamese people continued to open villages and establish hamlets along the river, so that this land became increasingly prosperous and had a geostrategic position for the entire Southwest region. According to cultural researcher Nguyen Tan Quoc, this is an important basis for determining the 320-year age of Tan An city (1705-2025).

Following Nguyen Cuu Van's footsteps of opening up the country, in the first half of the 18th century, Mr. Huynh Cong Luong - a military general who held the position of Cai Doi in the Nguyen Lord's court, came to the land of Giong Cai En (now Khanh Hau ward, Tan An city ) to establish a career.

It was here that he and his wife gave birth to their son Huynh Tuong Duc, who later became the famous general Nguyen Huynh Duc (the king's national name). From 1781 to 1817, he made important contributions to help King Gia Long unify the country, expanding Dai Viet's territory like never before. Notably, before his death, he personally built a tomb for himself.

Today, the mausoleum area, temple and relics associated with the name of the famous general are considered ancient mausoleums that are still intact, containing very important cultural and spiritual values ​​on the land of Tan An.

Located in an area of ​​1,280m2, the mausoleum complex consists of three gates, a mausoleum and a temple. The main materials used for construction are laterite, ceramics, mortar and precious wood; the main architecture of the complex is in the style of Hue royal mausoleums. In particular, in the temple, the family has preserved intact the royal decrees and antiques from the time of construction such as the royal uniforms given to the Duke when he was still alive, the altar, parallel sentences, bronze censer, parasol, sofa, wooden panels, etc.

An afternoon of golden sunshine like amber. The 300-year-old frangipani tree in front of Nguyen Huynh Duc's tomb casts its shadow over a corner of Tan An sky. We slowly and respectfully walk under the canopy of the frangipani trees blooming with pure fragrance. Looking at the ancient calligraphy still standing solemnly on the red paint; the stele covered with ancient moss, each person's heart suddenly swells with immense admiration. We gently close our eyes, focus on our breathing and imagine the figure of the ancient general still walking here.

Coming to Tan An, everyone will be amazed by the beauty of the river that has become legendary and has also been imprinted in poems, songs,... Lying across the East of the city, Vam Co Tay is like a gentle woman. On both banks, the water coconut trees gently lean to reflect on the cool river. Whether it is the wet season or the dry season, the river in Tan An is always clear and sweet. Looking at the peaceful and poetic river, who could have guessed that there was a time when the river water was red and calm, a color of loss and sacrifice.

Although it is a young city located right at the gateway to the country's major economic , cultural and social centers, Tan An still retains its inherent peace and gentleness, typical of the Southwest region. There are not many bustling urban, commercial or industrial areas, so social life here is not too chaotic or bustling. The streets are newly planned and built, so they are spacious and airy.

The houses are located close together but not too high-rise. The public entertainment areas and parks are airy and clean. Even the night market provides all the essential goods for daily life from low-end to high-end, the food court has a full range of dishes to suit all ages; the feeling of walking around here is gentle and comfortable. Shopping in Tan An does not have any scene of hunting or cheating customers. Whether you are a local or a tourist, you will have plenty of choices.

I love taking my children to the square on weekend afternoons to play, where there is a vast space for kites to stretch out in the wind. My children will be free to let their souls follow the clouds in the sky and let their imagination run wild. Then, the whole family runs around Hung Vuong Street (Ward 6), where there are all kinds of dishes suitable for all groups and ages, from Hanoi vermicelli with grilled pork, chicken rice, pho, buffet, Trang Bang noodle soup, Hue beef noodle soup, Western pancakes or vermicelli with Siamese noodles originating from neighboring Cambodia,...

Tan An, not only carries the ancient features of the early days of land opening but is also a youthful, dynamic city that anyone who goes far away will remember and look back to the beloved city./.

Nguyen Hoi

Source: https://baolongan.vn/tan-an-thanh-pho-toi-yeu-a193669.html