(Baonghean.vn) - As a national historical and cultural relic, with assigned guards, Ma Nhai Stele (Con Cuong, Nghe An) seems to be neglected, with graffiti written all over the bottom of the stele.
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| The Ma Nhai Ky Cong Stele is a stele carved directly on the rock mountain at Thanh Nam Mountain, in Chi Khe Commune (Con Cuong District, Nghe An). In 2011, the Ma Nhai Stele was recognized as a National Historical and Cultural Relic. However, for many years, this relic seems to have been forgotten. In the photo is the entrance to the relic, with grass growing nearly half a meter high, blocking the path. Photo: Tien Hung. |
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| At the foot of the mountain, bamboo trees were felled and lying around. Photo: Tien Hung. |
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| According to historical documents, after three great victories over the Yuan-Mongol army, the Tran Dynasty had to deal with many other forces. At this time, local chieftains as well as neighboring countries often sent troops to harass the border. Especially in the western region of Nghe An. In the year At Hoi (1335), the retired Emperor Tran Minh Tong decided to personally lead the army, "personally commanding the army, with strict orders and resounding prestige", so "Ai Lao heard the news and ran away". The retired Emperor immediately ordered the Transport Envoy Nguyen Trung Ngan to compose an inscription on the cliff to commemorate the victory. The stele has no author, but has 14 lines with 155 words. Photo: Tien Hung. |
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| After nearly 700 years, the stele has faded. Some spots are peeling off, the cliff is stained. Photo: Tien Hung. |
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| In particular, when setting foot on the relic, there are a series of drawings and graffiti lying all over the visitors' faces, looking very offensive. Photo: Tien Hung. |
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| The graffitied area is located on the same cliff as the ancient stele, just over a meter away. Some areas are covered in paint. Photo: Tien Hung. |
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| Some others are even deeply engraved in stone, making it very difficult to erase. Photo: Tien Hung. |
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| The head of the Con Cuong Cultural Department said that currently this relic is being protected by a local resident who lives nearby and is receiving a monthly allowance of VND200,000 from the provincial People's Committee. "We are proposing to the district to give this person an additional VND1 million each month so that they can protect it better," said Mr. Nam. |
Tien Hung
