The heroic spirit of the Hoan Chau uprising will forever be remembered.
(Baonghean)- Exactly 13 centuries ago, in 713 in Hoan Chau, Mai Thuc Loan, with a heart full of love for his homeland, rose up and raised the banner of rebellion against the Tang dynasty's rule, establishing an independent government and founding the Mai dynasty, bringing our people independence and self-governance for nearly a decade (713 - 722).
Growing up amidst national turmoil and experiencing a difficult childhood, Mai Thúc Loan, besides inheriting the cultural traditions of his homeland and family, soon faced the challenges of independent living. This gave him ample opportunity to broaden his understanding of the suffering of the Vietnamese people under the cruel rule and exploitation of the Northern invaders. His burning desire to fight against foreign invaders, save the country and its people, and regain independence, combined with his unwavering character, ironclad determination, and daring spirit, fueled the Hoan Châu uprising that shook the Tang dynasty and resonated throughout An Nam at that time.
After thorough preparations, in 713, Mai Thúc Loan led the people in an uprising from Hoan Châu (now part of Hà Tĩnh and Nghệ An provinces), achieving swift victory. He ascended the throne, proclaiming himself Mai Hắc Đế, establishing an independent government, and simultaneously recruiting soldiers, building bases, expanding the scope of the rebellion, and advancing northward to attack Tống Bình (now part of Hanoi), forcing the Tang Dynasty's troops there to flee back to their country. However, in 722, after suppressing the internal rebellion, the Tang Dynasty concentrated its forces to suppress the Hoan Châu uprising, and the fledgling Mai dynasty quickly came to an end.
In less than 10 years, the Hoan Chau uprising quickly spread to many other provinces, not only attracting the local people but also uniting with many other localities, including the armies of the Kingdoms of Lam Ap, Chenla, and Kim Lan. Our people regained independence from the Northern invaders. Hoan Chau proudly became the capital of the independent dynasty, headed by King Mai Hac De, with Van An Citadel (now in Nam Dan) considered the national capital. This achievement not only demonstrated military strategy and skillful mobilization of the people but also showcased the diplomatic talent of the King of Nghe An - Mai Hac De.
With the glorious victory of the Hoan Chau uprising, establishing an independent Vietnamese dynasty, Mai Thuc Loan became the first outstanding son of Nghe An province to be recorded in history as a king with immense contributions, opening a new chapter in the history of the ancient Hoan Chau region and the present-day Nghe An province. Mai Thuc Loan, along with many other prominent figures, especially Phan Boi Chau and President Ho Chi Minh, brought glory to the Hong Mountain, the Lam River, and the entire country, giving Nghe An a sense of pride and honor compared to other regions nationwide.
The life and career of Mai Thúc Loan, along with the glorious achievements of the Hoan Châu uprising, have left an indelible mark on the hearts of his homeland in Nghe An province and the Vietnamese nation. Not only in Nghe An, but also in other regions, there are historical and cultural relics related to this momentous historical event, such as the Mai family ancestral temple and Mai Thúc Loan shrine in Mai Phụ commune (Lộc Hà district, Hà Tĩnh province); the tomb of Mai Hắc Đế, along with the temple and tomb of King Mai, his mother, the shrine of Prince Mai Thúc Huy, the Nậm Sơn Thượng tướng temple, Khả Lãm communal house, Vạn An citadel... in Nam Đàn district (Nghe An province); and the Dục Anh temple complex in Cầu Giấy district (Hanoi). The cluster of historical sites in Quoc Tuan commune, An Duong district (Hai Phong)... More specifically, in Nam Dan, as scheduled, in mid-January every year, the King Mai Temple Festival takes place (from this year onwards, it is a provincial-level festival). People from all regions gather here in solemnity with reverence, but also with joy, happiness, and excitement, immersing themselves in a community cultural space rich in humanistic values.
The Hoan Chau Uprising is a powerful historical testament, strongly demonstrating the Vietnamese people's aspiration for independence and self-determination. It also showcased the courageous, resilient, and audacious spirit of the people of Nghe An at that time, inspiring and empowering subsequent uprisings. Following the uprisings of the Trung Sisters (40-43 AD), the Ba Trieu Uprising (248 AD), and the Ly Bi Uprising (542 AD), the Hoan Chau Uprising led by Mai Thuc Loan was the fourth largest uprising in the history of resistance against Northern domination and is considered the opening act for subsequent uprisings such as the Phung Hung Uprising in the late 8th century, the Duong Thanh Uprising in the early 9th century, and the Khuc Thua Du - Khuc Thua Hao uprising in the early 10th century. These uprisings further strengthened the nation's long and arduous struggle against Northern domination, ultimately leading to the resounding victory at Bach Dang in 938, marking the regaining of complete independence and self-determination by Ngo Quyen.
The contributions of Mai Thúc Loan and the achievements of the Hoan Châu uprising remain a precious legacy for the people of Nghe An to be proud of, and for our nation to be proud of among other nations. Though time may pass, the heroic spirit of Hoan Châu still resonates with the sacred soul of our homeland.
Le Duc Hoang (History Department, Vinh University)
