Markets appeared early in human history. It originated from a practical need when people wanted to exchange what they made and buy what they did not have. The place where trading activities take place is called Market. For generations, in Vietnamese’s mind, the market is not only a place to buy and sell goods, but it is also a type of cultural activities of the people, where they come to meet and exchange information and have connection. In each region of the country, the form of market may have a different breath of life and imprints, but they all play a vital and essential role in the Vietnamese people’s lives.
In the past, the ancient capital of Thang Long or Hanoi today had been a major economic-cultural center of the country and markets played a vital role in the development of this land. The city’s economy was based on a market network that formed between Hanoi’s Old Quarter and surrounding areas. That’s why Hanoi is also known as Ke Cho – the crowded trading place of the whole region.
Today, Hanoi markets have had a dramatical change. Many modern supermarkets have sprung up; some traditional markets have been turned into commercial centers. Traditional markets have been lost due to the city’s planning. Over time, Hanoi market has changed a lot, but the beauty of the old market remains as part of the cultural and historical features of the capital.
Photo of street vendors – Institute of Social Science and Technology
Online exhibition “Memories of the old markets” with many images of Dong Xuan market, Buoi market, Tet flower market, traditional markets, street vendors throughout the old streets of Hanoi from the 19th century to the 20th century through the collections of documents, images with sound and light effects will evoke many deep memories in everyone’s heart.
The online exhibition “Memories of the Old Markets” will be held from April 25, 2022 on the website and fanpage of the National Archives Center I, the State Archives and Records Administration (http://archives.org.vn) ,(https://facebook.com/luutruquocgia1) .
L.T