Dimensions of Heritage Making in Contemporary Society in Vietnam: A Case Study of Tram Gian Buddhist Temple in Hanoi

Tóm tắt

The establishment of cultural practices and monuments is defined by the process of safeguarding and promotion, requiring the involvement of the government, cadres managing the culture sector (hereinafter referred to as "managers"), and other stakeholders. Today, cultural expressions and historical monuments have been recognised on both a national and international scale. Along with this official process of recognition, there are a number of projects being carried out to expand the influence of these monuments, or to make use of cultural practices for other purposes, such as tourism. As this phenomenon continues to develop, heritage is gradually taken from the hands of its creators and custodians to become, increasingly, a vehicle for outsiders. Therefore, the process of upholding or promoting cultural heritage is often coupled with the restriction or marginalisation of its keepers. Through the study of the specific case of Tram Gian Buddhist temple in Hanoi city, this paper will demonstrate the various dimensions of heritage as a dynamic process in the cultural, social, and political context in Vietnam today.