Thiet Cang stele needs to be protected
(Baonghean) - On National Highway 1A, in Dien An Commune (Dien Chau), there is a Chinese stele erected in the mid-19th century. The stele is named "Thiet Cang" (Iron Canal) and was composed by King Hien To of the Nguyen Dynasty. Currently, the Ministry of Transport is implementing the project to expand National Highway 1A from Thanh Hoa to Ha Tinh, so this stele will have to be moved to another location...
At the end of 1842, after completing the coronation ceremony in Hanoi, King Thieu Tri and his courtiers returned to the capital Hue. When passing through the Iron Canal, located in Dien An commune, Dien Chau district today, the king remembered the legend of the year and immediately composed the poem "Iron Port" praising the scenery as well as recalling the mysterious story, and had it engraved on a stone stele placed on the east bank of the Iron Canal, in Tap Phuc commune, Dong Thanh district (now Dien An commune, Dien Chau district).
The stele is located at the foot of So Mountain, facing the road, only about 10m from the edge of National Highway 1A. Previously, the stele was completely covered by thorny trees, so few people knew about its existence. In 2007, Han Nom researchers Thai Huy Bich and Tran Dinh Van, during a field trip, cleared this land, allowing us to see the stele as it is today.
The stele measures 63x106cm, with a semicircular forehead carved with a dragon's head, surrounded by clouds. All bear the strong imprint of the early Nguyen Dynasty's stele inscriptions. Unlike other Chinese steles, the inside of the Thiet Cang stele is engraved with a seven-word eight-line poem of Tang Dynasty law mixed with notes on related events, recording the time of the stele's establishment on an auspicious day in December, the second year of the Thieu Tri era (Thieu Tri nhi nien thap nhi nguyet cat nhat) and a note stating that the stele was composed by King Thieu Tri himself (Ngu che thi nhat thu). The entire stele inscription consists of 14 lines, 286 words.
After 170 years, the stele has "stood the test of time" and witnessed many ups and downs of the Iron Canal as well as the Northern Highway.
In the past time, the Ministry of Transport has implemented the project to expand and upgrade National Highway 1A through Thanh Hoa - Ha Tinh. According to the plan, this road will be expanded to both sides with a design scale of 4 lanes with a median strip. In addition, this route will also be built with high-pressure lamps, trees and sidewalks. Therefore, the land where the stele is currently located will be leveled. Currently, along both sides of the road has been leveled and expanded.
The land with the stele is being reserved and awaiting a plan for relocation and protection. Relocating cultural structures to facilitate construction projects requires close coordination between relevant parties to protect this historical site.
Tran Tu Quang
