The replacement of statues at Me Linh Square (from 1875–2022)

The replacement of statues at Me Linh Square (from 1875–2022)

1868: it was a big empty space. It was being converted into a roundabout by installing some benches.

(1) 1875: The first monument was set up: it was a high pyramid in memory of a French citizen (Navaillé) who did much for the development of trade in Saigon and the colony. (no illustration)
(2) 1878: A second was the statue of Admiral Charles Rigault de Genouilly. (ill. 1)
(3) 1890s: the Navaillé monument was removed. Three years later, it was replaced by another pyramid-shaped memorial of leader of the French Mekong Expedition. (ill. 2)
(4) 1955: Statue of the Trung sister. Architect Ngo Viet Thu painted and sculpted by Nguyen Van The. There was a controversy about that Madame Nhu insisted on her own facial features being used as the model for the two sisters' faces. Therefore, after the assassination of Dim and Nhu in November 1963, the statue was tore down. (ills. 3 and 4)
(5) 1967: the current statue of Trần Hưng Đạo was installed. (ill. 5)

Reference:
Historicvietnam-"Saigon’s Famous Streets and Squares – Me Linh Square" (18 April 2022).

Khâu Thanh Lâm