An international seminar on preserving the traditional architecture of the Co Tu ethnic group took place on August 20 in the central province of Thua Thien-Hue.

The event drew the participation of both domestic and international scientists and managers in related fields.

At the seminar, the participants heard research reports on the Co Tu’s culture and local architecture, as well as proposals on how to develop ecological tourism in Co Tu areas.

They shared experiences in restoring the Guol House, or communal house which is central to the social and cultural life and is the symbol of wealth and power for the Co Tu.

The restoration must ensure that the house’s traditional characteristics are preserved while meeting conditions to serve tourism, the experts said.

The Co Tu (meaning people living upstream rivers) belong to the Mon Khmer language ethnic group. They live mostly in the central provinces of Thua Thien-Hue and Quang Nam. Like most ethnic groups inhabiting the Truong Son mountain range, the Co Tu mainly live on agriculture. In Thua Thien-Hue, they gather in Nam Dong mountainous district and A Luoi district.