The Great Tartary Conspiracy: Debunking Myths of a Lost Empire
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Chapter 1: Introduction to the Great Tartary Theory
The concept of Great Tartary has recently resurfaced as a curious conspiracy theory, capturing the imaginations of many. Initially, when I encountered the term "Tartar," my mind immediately leapt to the well-known fish sauce. Little did I anticipate the depth of exploration this seemingly innocuous word could lead to with just an internet connection. I found myself spending a significant portion of my Saturday engrossed in various YouTube videos, attempting to rationalize the claims surrounding the supposed erasure of the Great Tartary Empire.
If you are unfamiliar with this conspiracy circulating on platforms like YouTube and Reddit, you might not have come across the notion of the Great Tartary Empire. Contrary to my initial assumption, they are not famous for any culinary contributions. Historically, Tartary was a Western European designation for a vast region in Asia dominated by the predominantly landlocked Mongol Empire. This area encompassed central Eurasia, stretching from Prussia through Serbia and including significant portions of Russia, China, Iran, and all of Mongolia, with the term being prevalent from the 13th to the 19th centuries.
The theory, which gained renewed attention on a satire website in 2016 after previously failing to make an impact in the 1990s, suggests that Great Tartary was an advanced global empire that has since been forgotten. Proponents assert that this erasure is the result of a deliberate conspiracy by powerful entities to obscure the existence of a diverse and technologically sophisticated society.
According to adherents, the primary evidence for this alleged cover-up lies in the architectural wonders from the 18th and 19th centuries found globally. During this era, the Neo-classical Greco-Roman style was widely embraced, leading to the construction of numerous impressive buildings. Believers argue that the people of that time could not have possibly possessed the skills or knowledge to create such masterpieces. They often dismiss any blueprints or architectural plans as deceitful or indicative of "devil worship."
In their narratives, they frequently wonder why early settlers in places like Sydney, Australia, and Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, neglected to mention these grand structures that are so conspicuously present near their settlements. The notion that the Tartarian people established cities worldwide but failed to create a capital in their homeland is a question that seems to escape their contemplation.
Section 1.1: The Mud Flood Hypothesis
One of the most peculiar aspects of this theory is the idea of a "mud flood" that supposedly occurred globally between 1850 and 1900, burying many city-states of Great Tartary under layers of mud. Adherents insist this explains why numerous buildings worldwide feature half-windows at basement levels, rejecting the possibility that this was merely a fashionable architectural choice of the time.
Moreover, believers assert that both World Wars were orchestrated as "False Flag" operations aimed at eradicating any remaining evidence of Great Tartary. This conspiratorial framework is malleable, allowing for the incorporation of various speculative elements. Whether one believes in the existence of giants or ascribes mystical significance to geological formations, the theory readily accommodates diverse viewpoints.
Chapter 2: The Flaws and Implications of the Theory
As I delved deeper into this theory, I encountered numerous inconsistencies, particularly in how proponents interpret archaeological evidence and historical records. The blending of unrelated historical events into the Tartary narrative undermines legitimate research efforts into our past. It becomes clear that the promotion of such theories not only misleads individuals but also hampers the progress of genuine historical inquiry.
The most frustrating aspect of the Great Tartary conspiracy is its tendency to conflate any anomaly in mainstream history into a grand narrative of deception. As a result, it inadvertently stifles constructive dialogue about our shared history, making it more challenging for scholars to address real questions about the past. Those who claim to unveil hidden truths often find themselves perpetuating ignorance and misunderstanding.
In conclusion, while the idea of a lost, advanced civilization may be captivating, it is essential to approach such theories with a critical mindset. The allure of conspiracy can overshadow the importance of factual evidence and rational discourse in understanding our history and the world around us.