VietNamNet Bridge – Most of the ancient Cham towers in the central provinces of Quang Nam and Thua Thien - Hue are at risk of being ruined. However, relevant agencies have yet to find the optimal solution to restore the towers.

Cham towers were built with bricks but you won't see any glue-like materials in between the bricks. This is still a secret of ancient Cham construction skills. From time to time, someone claims to have found the glue which is a resin from a type of tree in the Central Region of Vietnam. But, the Cham ruins in Vietnam are still degrading, and no solutions have been found to protect them. It is necessary to understand the materials and techniques of the ancient Cham to protect their architectural heritage.




 

The B3 tower in My Son Sanctuary in Quang Nam Province began leaning during the war. The situation has become more serious in recent years. The tower is tilted for more than 8 degrees. It could collapse any time.

 

 

 
 

Also at My Son Sanctuary, the F1 tower was excavated for restoration in 2002. After being dug up, the bricks fell apart and lost connection. Not finding a solution to restore the tower, the sanctuary management board has covered the tower by a roof. However, the roof has caused changes to the humidity of the tower.

 

 

 

The nearby F2 tower is supported to avoid collapse.

 

 
 

Many other towers in My Son Sanctuary are blocked by rocks, grasses and tree roots.

 

 
 

Dong Duong, Quang Nam Province, which was the largest Buddhist institution in Southeast Asia in the 9th century, with a campus of dozens of hectares and a large number of towers, is now a ruin.

 

 
 

In the early 20th century, this relic was quite intact, with tens of towers. Although recognized as a national relic site, Dong Duong has become deserted.

 

 

The complex of Chien Dan towers in Quang Nam is being affected by tree roots.

 

 

 
 

This tower has lost the roof and is covered by a temporary roof.

 

 
 

The complex of Khuong My towers in Quang Nam province is in a worse situation.

 

 
 

Many years ago, the management board hired a company to restore the towers. But the company failed to restore the Hoa Lai tower in Ninh Thuan province so they did not restore Khuong My towers.

 

 
 

Lieu Coc Towers in Huong Tra town, Thua Thien – Hue province was accredited a national relic site years ago. But this area is deserted.

 

 
 

The authorities said they did not have any method to restore the towers, except for cleaning the area around them each year.
Photo: Zing


Thanh Van