Interdisciplinary approach in the study of Vietnamese urban history.

Urban areas have been a much-discussed topic recently, given the increasing wave of urbanization in Vietnam and other developing countries. Among the issues surrounding urban development, urban history is also crucial, reflecting the changes in cities throughout history, from ancient times and the Middle Ages to the modern and contemporary periods. In each historical period, cities exhibited different characteristics. For example, Thang Long – the ancient capital of Dai Viet – and Hanoi today, as the capital of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, are notable examples. While ancient Thang Long was distinguished by its ancient features reflected in its architecture, economy, society, and culture, present-day Hanoi is a bustling, vibrant, and modern metropolis under the influence of urbanization.

 

In this context, research and study of urban history are essential for comparing and contrasting past and present cities, and for drawing necessary lessons and solutions for the current urbanization process in Vietnam. To meet this need, the international conference "Interdisciplinary Approaches in the Study of Vietnamese Urban History" was organized to discuss all prominent issues in the history of Vietnamese and world cities, from geographical space to urban architecture, urbanization, and the interaction between cities. The conference utilized various research methods and approaches to study urban history, highlighting the interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary nature of contemporary social sciences and humanities. Specifically, the conference covered the history of Vietnamese and world cities, divided into the following time periods:

 

- The "Ancient - Medieval" period featured key presentations such as: "On the Hybrid Nature of Vietnamese Cities: The Case of Thang Long - Hanoi" by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Thua Hy (Faculty of History, University of Social Sciences and Humanities), "The Rings Surrounding Some Ancient Cities in Vietnam" by Ms. Vo Thi Phuong Thuy (Institute of History, Vietnam Academy of Social Sciences), "Approaching the Historical Method in the Study of Vietnamese Cities" by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Tran Kim Dinh (Faculty of History, University of Social Sciences and Humanities); The Design Ideas for Thang Long Capital during the Ly Dynasty and the Main Hall of the Early Naniwa Palace in Japan - Viewed from the "Three Dynasties and Five Gates System" of Zhou Li and Li Ji by Ms. Pham Le Huy (Faculty of Oriental Studies, University of Social Sciences and Humanities).

 

- The "Modern Period" featured keynote presentations such as: "Natural Disasters and Empire: Natural Calamities and Socio-Economic Rise and Fall of Tonkin Cities in the 17th Century" by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Hoang Anh Tuan (Faculty of History, University of Social Sciences and Humanities), "Forest Borders, Resource Exploitation and Nature Conservation in the Napoleonic Empire" by Dr. Agnes Johanna Franziska (Lugwid – Maximilians – Universitat Munchen), "From Political City to Commercial Center: Thang Long in the Tonkin River System in the 17th-18th Centuries" by Dr. Do Thi Thuy Lan (Faculty of History, University of Social Sciences and Humanities), "The Indo-Dutch Community in Transition: Fort Cochin in the Napoleonic Wars (1784-1830)" by Assoc. Prof. Anjana Singh (University of Groningen – Netherlands), and "Feminine Space: Expanding Services for Women in the Context of Hanoi's Urban Area during the French Colonial Period" by Dr. Tran Thi Phuong Hoa (Institute for European Studies, Vietnam Academy of Social Sciences).

 

- "Modern Era" with keynote presentations such as: "International Law on the Protection of the Living Environment and Natural Environment: The Impact of the US War in Vietnam" by Prof. Detlef Briesen (Giesen University), "Heritage Cities and Some Foundations Creating Distinctive Characteristics – Case Studies: Hanoi – Hue – Ho Chi Minh City" by Dr. Architect Ngo Minh Hung (Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology), "Discussing Urbanization in the Northern Delta and its Impact on Rural Areas" by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Vu Quang Hien (Faculty of History, University of Social Sciences and Humanities), "Not Abandoning the Forest – Not Leaving the Land": Resettled Residents and the Impacts on Forests in Khamam District (India) by Dr. David Pickus (Renmin University, China).

 

In March 2015, an international conference with a similar theme, "Socio-cultural transformation in urban areas during globalization and modernization," was also held at the University of Social Sciences and Humanities.