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Cham Towers – Duong Long |
Over a span of 16 centuries (from 192 AD to 1822 AD), the Champa Kingdom created a unique culture, rich in distinct characteristics that no other ethnic group possesses. Today, only fragmented relics remain, hinting at the ancient mural of a once-glorious civilization that has faded and declined.
According to the Vietnam Archaeology Institute, Cham cultural relics are distributed evenly along the coastal stretch of Central Vietnam from Quang Binh Province to Binh Thuan and Dong Nai. In the Central Highlands, Cham relics are scattered across Gia Lai, Kon Tum, Dak Lak, and Lam Dong. Formerly part of the Vijaya region from the 11th to 15th centuries, which served as the capital of Champa (1000 – 1471 AD), the relics in Binh Dinh are built sporadically. Fourteen Cham towers were constructed on high hills concentrated in eight locations: Banh It, Duong Long, Hung Thanh, Canh Tien, Phu Loc, Phu Thien, Binh Lam, and Hon Chuong. Additionally, there are four ancient citadels, including Thi Nai, Do Ban, An Thanh, and Uat Tri, along with numerous sculptures and remnants of Cham towers, such as square ancient wells, Naga serpents, stele pillars, and statues of the Garuda bird god. Notably, the relic of a monk statue at Linh Son Pagoda (Hai Giang hamlet, Nhon Hai commune, Quy Nhon city) was discovered by local residents while cultivating the land; the statue was buried deep underground. Since then, Linh Son Pagoda has been referred to as the “Protruding Buddha.”
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Twin Towers – Quy Nhon |
Located at the gateway of Quy Nhon city are two towers standing side by side, popularly known as the Twin Towers. According to ancient documents, the Twin Towers are part of the Hung Thanh tower group. On July 10, 1980, the Twin Towers were recognized as a national historical and cultural relic. The Twin Towers were the first to undergo restoration in Binh Dinh and have been categorized by researchers as a unique heritage of Cham architectural art, as they do not resemble any other existing ancient towers. Scientists have yet to determine the reason for this uniqueness.
The Twin Towers were built around the late 12th century. The larger tower features numerous reliefs depicting the monkey god Hanuman in a dancing pose, while the smaller tower is adorned with various animal reliefs, such as deer; inside the arched shrine are statues of seated monks, flanked by lion-headed elephants. The corners of the towers are decorated with stone carvings of the Garuda bird god.
Conversely, the “Tay Son Ha Dao” region features the Duong Long tower group. The French referred to this as the “Ivory Tower,” while locals call it the An Chanh tower. The Duong Long towers comprise three ancient towers with heights ranging from 29 to 36 meters. Most of the false door systems have collapsed. The carvings on the Duong Long towers depict animals such as elephants and playful lions, with seated monks meditating inside the towers. Most towers taper towards the top, culminating in a blooming lotus flower. The carvings on the Duong Long towers are remarkably refined in artistry and technique. The archway features a Kala monster spitting a seven-headed snake, while the eaves are intricately carved with diverse and rich floral patterns. It can be said that the Duong Long towers hold the highest artistic value among Cham architecture of this period. Many researchers currently date the towers to the latter half of the 12th century. This tower group was recognized by the Ministry of Culture simultaneously with the Twin Towers.
Following the Twin Towers and Duong Long towers are the Canh Tien tower and the Banh It tower. The Canh Tien tower is located in the center of the Do Ban citadel (now Nhon Hau commune, An Son district, Binh Dinh Province). It can be said to be one of the more well-preserved structures. According to French documents, the Canh Tien tower is also referred to as the “Dong Tower,” but the origin of this name remains undetermined. The tower stands approximately 20 meters tall and resembles a fairy’s wings soaring into the blue sky when viewed from a distance. Unlike other Cham towers, the Canh Tien tower is partially constructed from sandstone, surrounded by numerous carved reliefs. The Banh It tower consists of four different large and small towers situated on a hill in Phuoc Hiep commune, Tuy Phuoc district, about 20 kilometers from Quy Nhon city. From a distance, this tower group resembles the traditional sticky rice cakes seen during worship ceremonies in Central Vietnam. The French referred to it as the Silver Tower. All four ancient towers host statues of deities, dancing female figures, and elephants.
Additionally, in Binh Dinh, there is the Binh Lam tower located in Phuoc Hoa commune (Tuy Phuoc). Local residents recount that Binh Lam village is a fertile area where the first Vietnamese settlers came to cultivate the land. Among the Cham towers in Binh Dinh, Binh Lam tower is the oldest group of towers.
Another site known as the Phu Thien tower lies in Binh Nghi commune (Tay Son) – the homeland of famous handmade brick kilns located along National Route 19. In 1995, this tower was also classified as a national relic, but it is currently in severe disrepair. Many structures and features of the tower have been destroyed by time and human activities.
Alongside the Phu Thien tower, the Phu Loc tower, referred to by the French as the Golden Tower, is located on the border between An Nhon and Tuy Phuoc districts. Standing at 29 meters tall, Phu Loc is perched atop a hill rising 76 meters above sea level. Although significantly dilapidated, the tower still retains the imposing stature of an ancient architectural work.
In addition to the seven tower groups in Binh Dinh that have been recognized by the government, several other ancient tower relics still exist, including the Hon Chuong tower in Phu Cat district, which only remains its base or has collapsed due to local residents digging for gold.
It can be said that the eight tower groups with a total of 14 ancient towers remaining are considered invaluable treasures bestowed upon Central Vietnam by history. The mysteries surrounding the Cham towers, despite being studied for over a decade, remain largely unexplored. Many strange mysteries and fascinating legends are still waiting to be uncovered.
These ancient towers stand as an exclamation mark for a civilization that has declined and as a question mark for today’s generations.
