Some Events Related to Hội An in Dragon Years Through Historical Documents
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With its historically and culturally strategic location, Hội An became a place of trade and commerce with countries in the region and around the world from a very early period. During the Lâm Ấp - Champa era, Hội An was already a trading port regularly visited by foreign merchant vessels, and a number of works in the Book of Jin (Tấn thư), the Book of Tang (Đường thư), and certain ancient Arabic texts described and introduced valuable information about Hội An. Especially during the period when Hội An flourished as an international port under the Nguyễn Lords, and later during the Tây Sơn period and the reign of Nguyễn Lords, many domestic and foreign works relating to or mentioning Hội An were translated and published, such as Đàng Trong in 1621, Hải ngoại ký sự, Travels and Missions, Ô châu cận lục, Phủ biên tạp lục, and Đại Nam thực lục.
In addition, a number of Hán-Nôm documents related to Hội An, such as Nguyễn-dynasty imperial records (châu bản), clan records, land registers, stone inscriptions, and Vietnamese- and French-language documents preserved at the National Archives Centers, have recorded a great deal of valuable information about Hội An. Altogether, these materials form a distinctive body of historical sources, providing much useful information about the land of Hội An in particular and Quảng Nam in general from the 16th to the 20th century. Within the scope of this article, there will be several pieces of information and events related to the history and culture of Hội An in Dragon years (năm Thìn) as recorded in the historical and documentary sources that have been collected.
Giáp Thìn - Year 1604
After Lord Nguyễn Hoàng entered Thuận Hóa as governor in 1558, and then concurrently took charge of Quảng Nam in 1570, he began implementing the work of opening up and consolidating the land of xứ Quảng in order to establish political and military power and develop the economy in this newly controlled region.
By 1604, Lord Nguyễn Hoàng decided to separate Điện Bàn district from Triệu Phong prefecture and elevate it into Điện Bàn prefecture, administering five districts: Tân Phúc, An Nông, Hòa Vang, Diên Khánh, and Phú Châu, all under Quảng Nam land. He also changed Tiên Bình prefecture to Quảng Bình prefecture, Tư Ngãi prefecture to Quảng Ngãi prefecture, Lê Giang district to Lễ Dương district[1], and Hy Giang district to Duy Xuyên district[2]. At this point in time, Hội An belonged to Diên Khánh district, Điện Bàn prefecture.
By 1604, Lord Nguyễn Hoàng decided to separate Điện Bàn district from Triệu Phong prefecture and elevate it into Điện Bàn prefecture, administering five districts: Tân Phúc, An Nông, Hòa Vang, Diên Khánh, and Phú Châu, all under Quảng Nam land. He also changed Tiên Bình prefecture to Quảng Bình prefecture, Tư Ngãi prefecture to Quảng Ngãi prefecture, Lê Giang district to Lễ Dương district[1], and Hy Giang district to Duy Xuyên district[2]. At this point in time, Hội An belonged to Diên Khánh district, Điện Bàn prefecture.
Photo: Hồng Việt
Bính Thìn - Year 1616
At the beginning of 1616, the priest Francisco de Pina arrived and stayed in Đà Nẵng. In the middle of that same year, he came to Hội An, where he remained until the beginning of 1617, before departing for Quy Nhơn.
Francisco de Pina was born in the city of Guarda, in eastern Portugal, in 1585. He joined the Jesuit Order at the age of 19. At the College of Macao, then under Portuguese administration, he received a full education in the sciences and arts of the period, including logic, metaphysics, physics, music, painting, and even Japanese.
Because he was proficient in Japanese, he was able to preach to the Japanese merchants in Hội An. Among all the missionaries active at the time, Pina was the only one who did not require an interpreter. He studied the Vietnamese language directly through local people; by 1622, he had basically completed the process of converting spoken Vietnamese sounds into Latin script. He also opened a school to teach Vietnamese to other missionaries, including Antonio de Fontes (Portuguese) and Alexander de Rhodes (French)[3]. Francisco de Pina is considered one of the key figures in the formation of the Vietnamese Romanized script (chữ Quốc ngữ).
Francisco de Pina was born in the city of Guarda, in eastern Portugal, in 1585. He joined the Jesuit Order at the age of 19. At the College of Macao, then under Portuguese administration, he received a full education in the sciences and arts of the period, including logic, metaphysics, physics, music, painting, and even Japanese.
Because he was proficient in Japanese, he was able to preach to the Japanese merchants in Hội An. Among all the missionaries active at the time, Pina was the only one who did not require an interpreter. He studied the Vietnamese language directly through local people; by 1622, he had basically completed the process of converting spoken Vietnamese sounds into Latin script. He also opened a school to teach Vietnamese to other missionaries, including Antonio de Fontes (Portuguese) and Alexander de Rhodes (French)[3]. Francisco de Pina is considered one of the key figures in the formation of the Vietnamese Romanized script (chữ Quốc ngữ).
Canh Thìn - Year 1640
In the 17th and 18th centuries, the name Faifo (along with variants such as Haiso, Fayfo, Haifo, etc.) was widely used in the writings of Westerners to refer to what is now Hội An.
However, by the mid-17th century, the name Hội An itself officially appeared in the stone inscription Phổ Đà Sơn Linh Trung Phật, erected in 1640. This inscription was carved on the wall of Hoa Nghiêm Cave, at Tam Thai Pagoda - Non Nước (Đà Nẵng). Its content records that several merchants from Hội An village donated money. The name Hội An appears three times in the inscription, specifically as follows:
“Nguyễn Văn Triều, style name Viên An, and Nguyễn Thị Đức, religious name Diệu Ngọc, of Hội An village, donated 20 quan (monetary unit); Chu Thị Tân, religious name Từ Thức, of Hội An village, donated 7 quan; Nguyễn Thị Ức, religious name Từ Quế, of Hội An village, donated 13 quan[4].”
Thus, by the middle of the 17th century, the name Hội An had already appeared in written form, and the inscription Phổ Đà Linh Sơn Trung Phật is currently regarded as the earliest accessible source recording the name/designation “Hội An” as “Hội An village.”
However, by the mid-17th century, the name Hội An itself officially appeared in the stone inscription Phổ Đà Sơn Linh Trung Phật, erected in 1640. This inscription was carved on the wall of Hoa Nghiêm Cave, at Tam Thai Pagoda - Non Nước (Đà Nẵng). Its content records that several merchants from Hội An village donated money. The name Hội An appears three times in the inscription, specifically as follows:
“Nguyễn Văn Triều, style name Viên An, and Nguyễn Thị Đức, religious name Diệu Ngọc, of Hội An village, donated 20 quan (monetary unit); Chu Thị Tân, religious name Từ Thức, of Hội An village, donated 7 quan; Nguyễn Thị Ức, religious name Từ Quế, of Hội An village, donated 13 quan[4].”
Thus, by the middle of the 17th century, the name Hội An had already appeared in written form, and the inscription Phổ Đà Linh Sơn Trung Phật is currently regarded as the earliest accessible source recording the name/designation “Hội An” as “Hội An village.”
Mậu Thìn - Year 1808
In the 7th lunar month, Emperor Gia Long issued an edict making Quảng Nam a directly administered district (dinh trực lệ). Quảng Nam was one of the four directly governed dinh, alongside Quảng Đức, Quảng Trị, and Quảng Bình[5]. During this period, Hội An belonged to Diên Khánh district, Điện Bàn prefecture, Quảng Nam directly governed dinh.
Canh Thìn - Year 1820
In an imperial directive from Emperor Minh Mạng addressed to Hồ Văn Hòa, it was recorded that the Yến sào đội (the swiftlet-nest corps) was to be changed into Yến hộ (the swiftlet-nest tax household/administrative unit), and Hồ Văn Hòa was appointed Hộ trưởng (head of the unit), with the noble title Hòa Thuận tử, and the rank of subordinate Ninth Grade official. He was ordered to lead the yến hộ in collecting and submitting taxes according to regulations.
All matters were to be carried out under the directives of the Quảng Nam provincial office. If there was any negligence or dereliction of duty in public affairs, punishment would be imposed according to state law[6].
All matters were to be carried out under the directives of the Quảng Nam provincial office. If there was any negligence or dereliction of duty in public affairs, punishment would be imposed according to state law[6].
Nhâm Thìn - Year 1832
Emperor Minh Mạng changed Quảng Nam trấn[7] into Quảng Nam province, governing two prefectures: Điện Bàn and Thăng Hoa, and five districts: Diên Phúc (Phước),[8] Hòa Vinh, Duy Xuyên, Lễ Dương, and Hà Đông[9]. At this stage, Hội An belonged to Diên Phúc district, Điện Bàn prefecture, Quảng Nam province. Bính Thìn - Year 1856
There were two merchant vessels from Qing China that, due to adverse winds, drifted into anchorage at Đại Chiêm estuary and Đà Nẵng, both in Quảng Nam province. Provincial officials inspected the situation and reported to the throne that these two ships had indeed been blown off course and had suffered severe hardship and losses. They requested permission to remain anchored for one month in order to carry out repairs and wait for favorable winds to sail back home.
However, according to regulations, if foreign ships anchored for more than one month, they were required to pay import tax. The ship Kim Dự was to be taxed 1,417 quan and 5 tiền, and the ship Vạn Xuân 812 quan and 7 tiền, with payment to be made half in cash and half in silver. Yet at that time, the owners and crew of both ships had no means to pay, so provincial authorities asked whether the tax might be reduced.
The emperor approved a reduction, ordering that only four parts be collected and six parts remitted. Later, the two ships again petitioned, saying they still had nothing with which to pay, and the court then graciously exempted them entirely[10].
However, according to regulations, if foreign ships anchored for more than one month, they were required to pay import tax. The ship Kim Dự was to be taxed 1,417 quan and 5 tiền, and the ship Vạn Xuân 812 quan and 7 tiền, with payment to be made half in cash and half in silver. Yet at that time, the owners and crew of both ships had no means to pay, so provincial authorities asked whether the tax might be reduced.
The emperor approved a reduction, ordering that only four parts be collected and six parts remitted. Later, the two ships again petitioned, saying they still had nothing with which to pay, and the court then graciously exempted them entirely[10].
Nhâm Thìn - Year 1892
A certificate issued by the Ministry of Revenue (Bộ Hộ) to Hồ Văn Phú and Hồ Văn Khải states that their forefathers had recruited settlers and established the yến hộ, collecting swiftlet-nest taxes and submitting them to the state. However, some Qing Chinese (người Thanh / Hoa people) had since competed to obtain the right to collect these taxes.
Therefore, Hồ Văn Phú and Hồ Văn Khải petitioned to be allowed to collect the swiftlet-nest taxes for three provinces: Quảng Nam, Bình Định, and Khánh Hòa, for a period of 10 years, with an annual tax payment of 60,000 quan. They also requested to deposit 1,000 quan as an advance guarantee.
The Ministry reviewed the matter and found that at this proposed rate, tax revenue would indeed increase. However, it considered the requested term of 10 years somewhat too long, and therefore decided that after 5 years, the matter would be reconsidered together with the French Resident Superior / Đông Pháp đại thần before any final decision. A certificate was therefore issued granting Hồ Văn Phú and Hồ Văn Khải the right to act as yến hộ, collecting swiftlet taxes for the three provinces[11].
Also in that same year, in the 12th lunar month, Emperor Thành Thái issued an order for the repair of the road and bridges from Quảng Nam provincial citadel to Hội An. Since the provincial capital was located in La Qua village, while the French Resident’s office was in Hội An town, this route was considered essential for convenient travel and official consultation, and so it was ordered to be repaired[12].
Bính Thìn - Year 1916
On the 10th day of the 8th lunar month, Emperor Khải Định made a royal visit to Quảng Nam to observe local customs, during which he came to Hội An and Bồng Miêu. The emperor instructed his officials that all arrangements for escorting and receiving him during this trip should be kept simple, so as to avoid unnecessary ceremony and expense.
When the imperial entourage departed, it was approved that Tôn Thất Hân, Minister of Justice, and Nguyễn Hữu Bài, Minister of Public Works, would accompany the emperor. The royal party returned on the 13th[13].
Also in this same year, following the Tax Resistance Movement of 1908, and in response to the 1916 uprising in Huế led by Thái Phiên and Trần Cao Vân, Hội An was regarded as an important revolutionary point in Quảng Nam province, under the command of physician Lê Đình Dương and Quảng Thái[14].
Regarding Hội An’s strategic position, at a meeting held in 1916 at Thái Phiên’s house, Phan Thành Tài stated the following:
“At Hội An, under the command of Đốc Dương (that is, Lê Đình Dương), efforts will be made to mobilize the local military posts to rise up. The targets of attack will be the French Resident’s office and the barracks of the khố xanh troops. The attack must be completed before 11 p.m., after which the militia forces and the recruited native troops, equipped with weapons, will move upward to coordinate with the forces at the provincial citadel in launching the uprising at 2 a.m. After that, these forces will advance together to coordinate in seizing targets in Đà Nẵng, just as in Hội An[15].”
[1] Under Thăng Hoa Prefecture (later renamed Thăng Bình Prefecture).
[2] Nguyễn Dynasty National History Office (translated edition) (2007), Đại Nam thực lục (The Veritable Records of Đại Nam), Vol. 1, Giáo dục Publishing House, Hanoi, p. 36.
[3] Cited in Nguyễn Phước Tương, “The Introduction of Catholicism into Hội An during the Nguyễn Lords period,” from Roland Jacques, L’œuvre de quelques pionniers portugais dans le domaine de la linguistique vietnamienne jusqu’en 1650. Paris: Institut national des langues et civilisations orientales, 1995 (special study under the project Research and Compilation of the Hội An Gazetteer).
[4] Hội An Research Group. (2014). Di sản Hán Nôm Hội An [Hội An Hán-Nôm Heritage], Vol. 1: Văn bia [Stone Inscriptions], pp. 130, 132.
[5] Nguyễn Dynasty National History Office. (2007). Đại Nam thực lục [The Veritable Records of Đại Nam] (Vol. 1), op. cit., p. 733.
[6] Thanh Châu swiftlet-harvesting materials, copy preserved at the Hội An Center for the Conservation of World Cultural Heritage.
[7] In the 8th year of Minh Mạng (1827), Quảng Nam dinh was changed to Quảng Nam trấn, and the two characters “trực lệ” were removed.
[8] In the 3rd year of Minh Mạng (1822), Diên Khánh district was renamed Diên Phúc (Phước) district.
[9] Nguyễn Dynasty National History Office (trans. ed.). (2007). Đại Nam thực lục [The Veritable Records of Đại Nam] (Vol. 3). Hanoi: Giáo dục Publishing House, p. 393.
[10] Nguyễn Dynasty National History Office (trans. ed.). (2007). Đại Nam thực lục [The Veritable Records of Đại Nam] (Vol. 7). Hanoi: Giáo dục Publishing House, p. 430.
[11]Thanh Châu swiftlet-harvesting materials, copy preserved at the Hội An Center for the Conservation of World Cultural Heritage.
[12] Nguyễn Dynasty National History Office. (2012). Đại Nam thực lục đệ lục kỷ phụ biên [The Veritable Records of Đại Nam, Supplementary Sixth Series]. Translated and introduced by Cao Tự Thanh. Ho Chi Minh City: Văn hóa – Văn nghệ Publishing House, p. 177.
[13] Nguyễn Dynasty National History Office. (2012). Đại Nam thực lục chính biên đệ thất kỷ [The Veritable Records of Đại Nam, Main Series, Seventh Reign Series]. Translated and introduced by Cao Tự Thanh. Ho Chi Minh City: Văn hóa – Văn nghệ Publishing House, p. 103.
[14] Party Executive Committee of Hội An Town. (1996). History of the Party Organization of Hội An Town, 1930–1975, p. 26.
[15] Cited from Lưu Anh Rô, document no. 42, file no. 65530. The file bearing reference code ANOM_GGI_4199 consists of three reports on the political situation in the first, second, and fourth quarters of 1916, sent by the Resident-Superior of Annam to the Governor-General of Indochina. The document is currently preserved at the French National Overseas Archives Center in Aix-en-Provence (ANOM).