The Taş Tepeler project in Turkey

 The Taş Tepeler project in southeastern Turkey, centered around Şanlıurfa Province, involves the excavation of multiple prehistoric sites dating back to the Pre-Pottery Neolithic period (approximately 10,000–7,000 BCE). These sites are significant for the occurrence on some of them of monumental T-shaped pillars and the insights they provide into the transition from hunter-gatherer societies to settled communities. The project currently encompasses the following excavated sites:

• Göbeklitepe: The most famous site, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for its large circular enclosures with T-shaped limestone pillars, some decorated with animal reliefs. Excavations began in 1995 and continue to reveal structures from around 9600–7000 BCE.
• Karahantepe: Located about 46 kilometers from Şanlıurfa, this site features over 250 T-shaped megaliths and evidence of both ritual and domestic use. Excavations started in 2019 and have uncovered realistic human statues and enclosures.
• Sayburç: This site has yielded a notable relief depicting a five-figure scene with humans, leopards, and a bull, considered one of the earliest narrative carvings from the Neolithic. Some of the buildings had T-shaped pillars, some in the shape of human figures. Excavations are ongoing.
• Harbetsuvan Tepesi: Situated 7 kilometers southwest of Karahantepe, it’s a smaller site (about 5 decares), currently under excavation.The stone structures, partially destroyed by later damage, consisted of rectangular buildings, at least one of which was equipped with a pair of stone pillars at the centrer. Stone construction included an important finding: a seated male sculpture resembling those recovered at Göbeklitepe and Karahantepe
• Gürcütepe: Part of the initial seven sites announced in 2021, it’s being explored for its Neolithic remains, though specific findings are less publicized.
• Çakmaktepe: Another of the original seven, this site is under active excavation, contributing to the broader understanding of the region’s prehistory.
• Sefertepe: Included in the initial phase, it’s being excavated to uncover T-shaped obelisks and related structures.
• Yeni Mahalle Mound: Also among the first seven, this site near Şanlıurfa is part of the ongoing digs, revealing early settlement evidence.
• Kurttepesi: One of the twelve identified sites with T-shaped pillars, currently under excavation as part of the expanded project.
• Taşlıtepe: A site similar in scale to Harbetsuvan, it’s being excavated to explore its Neolithic features.
• Ayanlar Höyük: Located 30 kilometers west of Şanlıurfa, it’s under investigation, though no T-shaped stelae have been found yet, suggesting it may have been a cult center.
• Yoğunburç: Added to the excavation list, it’s being studied for its contributions to the Neolithic narrative.
• Söğüt Tarlası-Biris Mezarlığı is a site located about 32 km northwest of Şanlıurfa, just south of the city center of Bozova 

The Taş Tepeler project, launched in 2021 by the Turkish Ministry of Culture and Tourism, initially focused on seven sites (Göbeklitepe, Karahantepe, Gürcütepe, Sayburç, Çakmaktepe, Sefertepe, and Yeni Mahalle) but has since expanded to include twelve locations, with nine actively excavated as of 2024. The project aims to excavate a total of twelve sites by 2024, though some, like Nevalı Çori (submerged by a dam) and Hamzan Tepe, are not currently active dig sites within this initiative. Excavations are ongoing, with plans to transform findings into tourist destinations, reflecting the region’s role as a cradle of early civilization.

US Historians, but not Archaeologists (?) Comment and Protest Federal Censorship of American History

Its good to see someone in US academia standing up for this. 

American Historical Association (AHA) and the Organization of American Historians (OAH)   Joint Statement on Federal Censorship of American History March 13, 2025.

The American Historical Association (AHA) and the Organization of American Historians (OAH) have released a joint statement condemning “recent efforts to censor historical content on federal government websites, at many public museums, and across a wide swath of government resources that include essential data.” “Our professional ethics require that ‘all historians believe in honoring the integrity of the historical record,’” the statement reads. “We expect our nation’s leadership to adhere to this same basic standard and we will continue to monitor, protest, and place in the historical record any censorship of American historical facts.” To date, 38 organizations have signed on to the statement (read more).

It seems that no archaeological bodies (even historical/industrial archaeology) are affiliated to the AHA and/or OAH. I hope this means they will be producing their own statements as this trend affects them too.  

Hat tip, John Hoopes

 

Under-Pyramid-Scan Scam: Sarah Parcak on Flint Dibble

The more people submit the Italian under-pyramid scan to critical scrutiny the crumblier it becomes, now see Flint Dibble: "SAR Pyramid Conspiracy Debunked by Satellite Archaeologist Dr Sarah Parcak" which very soundly highlights the scam. 

 

UFOlogist Malanga answers Under-Pyramid Scan Questioners

              Corrado Malanga 'explains'               
 

Italian Giza researcher Corrado Malanga answers debunkers who claim that SAR technology can only scan the surface, laying out the techniques behind the new 'discoveries' on the Giza Plateau (nine parts). Pt. 1/9 . This rather disjointed auto-dub of an already ramplbling explanation starts off with the kind of argument that raises a red flag for me: "it is very simple, a small child would understand it" - belittling those who do not understand what he's saying. This is a typical ploy of  pseudoscience. 

The fact is however that what Prof Malanga says is very disorganised and rambling, not to mention inconsistent. If the whole idea is to turn "photonic" (eh?) into "sonic" information, why does he then talk of analysing it in terms of "pixels"? In any case if one starts with crude photonic data, how does the conversion into another form of output in some way ADD the subtlety (we understand lacking in the photonic output - otherwise there would be no need to convert it to analyse it) that allows underground resonances and vibrations to be read? This continues to be unexplained. 

Another issue I have is that the idea of a tomographic slice through a site in which you can see "pixels" in front and behind the plane completely ignores what the basic definition of a tomographic slice actually is (Greek τόμος tomos, "slice, section"/ γράφω graphō, here "describe" ). 

This explanation (together with the personal attacks on the project's critics) obscures much more than it reveals, and calls into question Malaga's ability to explain it, and indeed his motives for giving this unfocussed justification involving special pleading. 

Get the method and results properly published so they can be discussed. So far, the way it is being presented, promoted and defended looks to me like it is a total scam. Prove me wrong.

US Tourists Break into Turkish Excavation; Claim Entitlement

In this video ( Nerdrotic (Forbidden Frontier 096): 'Gobekli Tepe Coverup, Pyramid Structures w/ Jimmy Corsetti and Wandering Wolf'), Jimmy Corsetti  @BrightInsight6 and @WWolfProd admit (at 38:57mins +) to breaking into the sensitive Sayburç archaeological site in Turkeycurrently under excavation and taking lots of photos (did they have a permit to be on site and to take photos for commercial use?). They felt that this was OK because they are both entitled Americans and "there was no sign" telling them not to. 

They admit: "we went in there, big time... I broke some rules. There's no signs, these was no fencing, we went in there, and I crawled around in there, I was very respectful [sic], and very careful. I got a lot of photos... This is on the side of a road with a bunch of houses around it and this lady gets on her phone holding her baby and it looks like she was calling somebody to report on us, so we got out of there [...]. Yeah, we were in there [...] They'd put a roofing system in [...] and you crawl under it to get into the site".  

Now, the site looks like this, it is clear that this is not public land but the excavation was on somebody's property, but actually asking the property owner of they might take a look seems not to have crossed their mind (the property owner probably still lives in the village)

Photo: Collins/ Corsetti - note, possibly illicitly obtained

Here he is stomping around on the excavated surfaces INSIDE the building (even if you are on somebody's property, actually entering one of their buildings...): 

Photo: Collins/ Corsetti - note, possibly illicitly obtained

More potential damage to excavated surface inside the protective building 

Photo: Collins/ Corsetti - note, possibly illicitly obtained

Photo: Collins/ Corsetti - note, possibly illicitly obtained

These clowns claim to have "explosive" evidence on film of archaeological malpractice by the German and Turkish archaeologists there who are allegedly "damaging history". Two of them ( @WWolfProd & @LivingExtraord1 ) are making money taking tourist groups to Turkey ..

Just recently US YouTuber Jimmy Corsetti has reacted to online comments about these activities:

Archaeologists are so terrified at what we documented in Turkey, they are now claiming we broke the law! 😂 I don’t believe any laws were broken But IDGAF [Americanism - I don't give a f**k  PMB] if they were 🤷🏼‍♂️ 📍I posses smoking-gun evidence of destroyed ruins at *multiple* ancient sites in Turkey - which are the oldest on earth‼️  Archaeological malpractice 💯 📍These are just a few pictures from Sayburç, Gobekli Tepe’s sister site. It is an archaeological travesty. Ruins scatted (sic) outside the enclosed “protective” roof, laying all over the place like trash 🤯  The most egregious evidence (not seen here) is backed up on multiple computers, multiple external hard drives, multiple encrypted cloud servers, as well as in the hands of others that I trust. Archaeologists might want to get off the railroad tracks, cuz nothing is going to stop this train. Tick tock, tick tock ⏰🔥

Also Jimmy Corsetti:

for the record, we didn’t break into anything. This site is on the side of the road, no fences, and no trespassing signs. And we certainly don’t need permits to take photos for investigative journalism. @FlintDibble  has never been to Turkey, and is desperate to protect corrupt archaeological practices

What? Mr Corsetti should know that Turkey has indeed very strict laws controlling access to archaeological excavations and sites  (through a permit system) and also laws concerning photos taken for commercial use, which his undoubtedly is. Whether it is fenced or signed or not, in the USA as elsewhere, you cannot just walk into somebody's property (still less enter buildings on it) willy nilly without seeking permission. That is what is called trespass.  

Gran-Sasso Physics Laboratory SAR Images

 

With regard to the Biondi-Malanga-Meli under-pyramid scanning on the Giza plateau, what are we to think about the claims they detected the Gran-Sasso Physics Laboratory (Laboratori Nazionali del Gran Sasso  LNGS) in Italy, 1.4 km below shielding rock using the same method of SAR? On the website of Harmonicsar it is used as a demonstration that the SAR technologies they use actually work. So on the webpage there are a series of images purporting to show how well the laboratory can be made visible.

These raise several questions. In what way have these images been processed (manipulated?)? What produced the detected "vibrations" that are claimed to be shown here?  If this is being used as proof that Filippo Biondi's under-pyramid scans are genuine why are these images of a totally different nature from the false-colour vertical 'slices' of the Pyramid scans? Why are the two represented by totally different kinds of output? If the technique could produce a three-dimensional oblique view of this complex, why is there not a similar image of what these guys say is under the pyramids? So far, they have not proven that the recently-publicised under-pyramid scan "of the halls of Amenti" is not a sensation-seeking scam. 

If this is not a fake ... the military uses of this (using manipulation of satellite data already for free in the public domain) are obvious.  Is that where they will be seeking funding? 

Spurious Giza 'Discoveries' Coming Fast and Furious from Niccole Ciccole Expedition Team

 
And .... another one! (Stacy Liberatore, 'Hidden tomb discovered by scientists investigating vast city beneath Giza pyramid' Daily Mail 30 March 2025

Italian researchers told DailyMail.com that they identified an unknown chamber under the Tomb [recte 'shaft'] of Osiris, which is believed to be a symbolic burial site dedicated to the Egyptian god of the afterlife. Last week, the team announced the discovery of wells and chambers more than 2,000 feet below the Khafre Pyramid. If confirmed, these findings could rewrite human history.[...] An image produced by the technology revealed the known levels within the Tomb of Osiris, descending 114 feet below the surface, along with a vertical shaft followed by three distinct steps. It also detected a previously unknown structure, which 'appears to reach an empty chamber' 656 feet below the surface. 'There is also a sarcophagus (?), which remains surrounded by running water,' said the team. [...] The work by Corrado Malanga of Italy's University of Pisa, Filippo Biondi of the University of Strathclyde in Scotland, and Egyptologist Armando Mei has not yet been published in a scientific journal for independent expert review.

Researchers told DailyMail.com that they released the new image 'in response to concerns raised regarding the effectiveness' of the technology used to identify an 'entire world of structures' more than 4,000 feet beneath Khafre.

Niccole Ciccole, the project's spokesperson, said: 'This presents the tomographic analysis of the Tomb of Osiris—an interior structure that is extensively documented—demonstrating how satellite radar tomography has successfully replicated its features.

It would have helped evaluate the evidence if the "Khafre Research Project" had not overlain a large part of the scan with a downloaded picture from the German internet showing the three levels of this complex. They do this to (a) show how the fuzzy green bits of their scan if the picture is reduced down to the right scale 'sort of' match, and (b) to hide the green fuzzy bits with black blotches in the middle on the left hand side. We are not supposed to notice them. But they do not differ from what's on the right, and why aren't THESE black blotches not empty sarcophagi, eh?

Concentrating on the bits we do know, in the middle chamber, there are niches some of which contain just air, others massive empty sarcophagi. NONE of this is visible in the scan - even though this is one of the most distinctive features of the whole complex. The third, bottom, chamber much of the time is half-filled with water (this is the level of the water table)  - yet the Expedition Ciccole team reckon that in ancient times there were excavated a further four undiscovered levels below that, all underwater. That really is a bit unlikely. No notice is taken of teh fact that the third chamber's black-blotch-for-a-sarcophagus  shows it the size of an entire room in the levels above, yet we know this sarcophagus, it is of normal size. 

Absolutely no attention is given in this fluff piece that to the left of the fuzzy images suggested as the 'shaft of Osiris' is a bigger vertical sequence of fuzzy blotches that (by analogy) would be being interpreted as an even bigger and analogous structure if the team really believed this technique works. 

It seems to me what is in question is what this scan really shows, random noise, a bit of which just happens to look like the Shaft of Osiris? What is notable is there is no horizontal or vertical scale on the plot of the "features" - so how do the investigators know where those features are in real space? They are presented as floating colour blobs. Also one really would like to know what the scan looks like undernetah the overlaid image - let us see it without.

Surely, the best method to answer concerns/questions about the three-dimensional renders of shafts and chambers under the middle pyramid made from the scan results would be to run the results from the Shaft of Osiris through the SAME software to produce an accurate three-dimensional render to compare with (a) the original and (b) the depiction of the results under the pyramid. Why was this obvious step not taken?

Also it should be noted that in this article, the isometric (?) drawing of a complex tomb shown underneath the blobby image is NOT the complex in Giza, but one recently excavated near Luxor (!).

 Far from addressing "concerns raised regarding the effectiveness' of the technology used to represent features under the Khafre pyramid, or "demonstrating how satellite radar tomography has successfully replicated" the features of the Shaft of Osiris, this presentation raises more questions. But this feature is a discrete complex, so let us see the team publish in full the scans and full supporting data for discussion. Until they do, it looks to me very much like this is a deceptive partial presentation of random data intended to bolster the under-pyramid scan, which is increasingly looking like a pseudoscientific scam ,meant to attract attention (and possibly funding). 

Where are you Getting Your Information From? YouTube channel "Nicole Ciccolo's Expedition"

With regard to the Biondi-Malanga-Mei under-pyramid scanning being discussed widely in the media, it is worth looking at the venue where the results and their interpretation were published (more accurately, publicised). 

The Italian language YouTube channel "Nicole Ciccolo's Expedition" claims to focus on a journey through time, exploring topics from the origins of the universe to the mysteries of ancient civilizations and contemporary issues. The channel’s description emphasizes it as a "journey in the writing of time," aiming to raise awareness about humanity’s place in the "great ocean that is the mystery of Life". Through a mix of live streams, conferences, and discussions, it covers a broad range of subjects, including historical, scientific, and philosophical themes, but leaning toward alternative or unconventional perspectives. It thus sometimes blends ancient history, alternative archaeology, ufology, spirituality, geopolitics, and consciousness exploration. The channel positions itself as an exploratory platform, inviting viewers to join in a collective "expedition" through knowledge and consciousness. There are frequent discussions with various guests with a focus on specific perspectives that often diverge from mainstream narratives.  The content leans toward the mysterious, unconventional, and thought-provoking, often questioning official narratives (e.g., "LA VERA STORIA DELL'UMANITA'"). It’s presented as an intellectual and exploratory "expedition," aligning with the channel’s stated mission of fostering open dialogue and freedom of thought.

Recent high-viewership content shows strong audience engagement with fresh, sensational claims.

Titles like "Conferenza: #Giza - Le piramidi e la porta del tempo" (224K views, 8 days ago) and "Comunicato stampa..Piana di Giza: Scoperta una citta' sotto le Piramidi" (28K views, 1 month ago) highlight a strong interest in Egyptology, particularly the Giza Plateau. The channel seems to promote theories about hidden cities or time-related secrets tied to the pyramids, featuring guests like Armando Mei and Filippo Biondi alongside Corrado Malanga.

"GLI ANTICHI DEI: i simboli #occulti" (Parts 1 & 2, plus an integral version) delves into esoteric interpretations of ancient deities and symbols, suggesting a narrative of lost or suppressed knowledge.

Videos such as "ESOBIOLOGIA: La vita oltre la terra" (29K views, 5 months ago) and "Relazioni tra Terrestri ed #Extraterrestri" (4.2K views, 2 weeks ago) indicate a significant focus on extraterrestrial phenomena.  "CORRADO MALANGA: O.B:E.", 27K views, 3 months ago).Corrado Malanga, a recurring figure known for his work on alien abductions and regressive hypnosis, ties this theme to his research on abductions (e.g.,

"SFERE ALIENE o DRONI NEI CIELI" (3.6K views, 2 months ago) explores modern sightings, blending ufology with apocalyptic undertones ("La fine dei tempi?").

Titles like "CONTATTARE L'ENERGIA CRISTICA CON L'IPNOSI SPIRITUALE" (1.4K views, 1 month ago) and "LA MENTE UNIVERSALE e #MIRACOLI" (1.1K views, 10 months ago) reflect an exploration of spiritual practices, consciousness expansion, and metaphysical concepts.

Angela Francia’s series ("Momenti per l’anima") covers topics like spiritism, biorisonance, and numerology, appealing to viewers interested in holistic and esoteric spirituality.

Live streams like "Live dal Cairo: TOUR EGITTO SVELATO" (multiple dates, 20K-22K views, 3 weeks ago) indicate on-the-ground explorations, possibly tied to the Giza discoveries, reinforcing the channel’s "expedition" branding.

The individuals doing the under-pyramid scanning are recurring guests in the commercial productions of "Expedition Nicole Ciccolo".

Corrado Malanga: A central figure, known for abduction research, appearing in discussions on Giza, ancient symbols, ufology, and consciousness (e.g., "L'ANELLO AL #NASA: come andare su #marte a piedi"). His involvement lends a speculative, fringe-science flavor.

Armando Mei: Frequently paired with Malanga, focusing on Egyptology and ancient mysteries, likely contributing historical or archaeological interpretations.

Filippo Biondi: Appears in Giza-related content, as a collaborator in these investigations.

The channel’s mix of live streams, long-form conferences (some exceeding 3 hours), and shorter messages caters to both casual viewers and dedicated followers, with members-only content suggesting a loyal subscriber base. View counts vary widely, from hundreds to 200K, with recent Giza content (e.g., 200K views in 6 days) showing significant traction, due to the bold but unsubstantianed claims like a city beneath the pyramids. 

Conclusion

"EXPEDITION -Nicole Ciccolo-" is a multifaceted platform that blends alternative history, ufology, spirituality, and societal critique, hosted by Nicole Ciccolo and featuring a roster of recurring contributors like Corrado Malanga and Armando Mei. Its appeal lies in its bold, speculative takes on ancient mysteries (especially Giza), extraterrestrial life, and human consciousness, delivered through lengthy discussions and live expeditions. 

Fight, Fight, Fight and the Antiquities Trade

             The Controversial Manuscript                  

In a bold move to enact the new Executive Order 'Restoring Truth and Sanity to American History', the National Scripture Museum in Washington, DC, has placed on display the so-called 'Fight, Fight, Fight Manuscript,' donated by a staunch supporter to commemorate 100 days of President Trump’s latest term. Museum Director Percival Lickspittle explains that this manuscript displayed in a prominent place at the entrance to the main gallery is a keystone exhibit in the museum's mission to spotlight the remarkable achievements of the United States and deepen public understanding of the shared heritage of the American People. This effort, he says, reflects the Museum's purpose to promote societal unity and national pride by presenting a narrative that celebrates "our Nation’s founding principles and historical milestones; emphasising, without room for nuance, America’s unparalleled legacy of advancing liberty, individual rights, and human happiness, fostering unity, and championing ideals that continue to inspire millions worldwide".

This ancient text, dated to the 2nd century AD (though some scholars argue for the late 1st century) was acquired for an undisclosed sum of money by billionaire collector Mortimer J. Goldstack and last month donated to the Museuum as a "expression of a Nation's gratitude to the Divine Will, saving our President Donald Trump from the assassin's bullet on July 13, 2024 at the open-air campaign rally near Butler, Pennsylvania. This is its firest public display and in the showcase it is shown alongside one of the nine AR15-type bullets recovered from the site during the subsequesnt detailed FBI investigation of the shooting. .

Purchased from antiquities dealers Grebkesh and Runn, who claim it emerged from an “old Italian collection,” the manuscript bears the stirring words of Ephesians 6:11-14 that are linked to the words "Fight, Fight, Fight!" shouted by the Nation's Once-and-Future President as he rose unscathed from the attack.

"Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness."

Yet controversy looms, as experts suspect its origins may trace to recent looting in the Middle East rather than a dusty Italian vault. Displayed in a bulletproof case, this potent relic has ignited both reverence and debate — fitting for a presidency defined by unyielding resolve.

Trump Redefines US Historiography in Executive Order

It will be interesting to see whether any American academics are going to have the guts to challenge this. As part of the Trump regime's 'war on woke', US President Donald Trump has signed an executive order intended to "eliminate improper, divisive, or anti-American ideology" and prevent "a false revision of history". The move is part of Trump's effort to radically reshape American culture, which he says has been contaminated by "woke" left-wing ideology. This comes after the recent signing of several puzzling Executive Orders that are intended to eliminate diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) measures from the federal government. The new order "Restoring Truth and Sanity to American History" March 27, 2025 is even more problematic, setting boundaries on US historiography that are open to question

"By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, it is hereby ordered:

Section 1. Purpose and Policy.
Over the past decade, Americans have witnessed a concerted and widespread effort to rewrite our Nation’s history, replacing objective facts with a distorted narrative driven by ideology rather than truth. This revisionist movement seeks to undermine the remarkable achievements of the United States by casting its founding principles and historical milestones in a negative light. Under this historical revision, our Nation’s unparalleled legacy of advancing liberty, individual rights, and human happiness is reconstructed as inherently racist, sexist, oppressive, or otherwise irredeemably flawed. Rather than fostering unity and a deeper understanding of our shared past, the widespread effort to rewrite history deepens societal divides and fosters a sense of national shame, disregarding the progress America has made and the ideals that continue to inspire millions around the globe. The prior administration advanced this corrosive ideology [...]."

This directive for historiography presented in the President's Executive Order, its characterization of historical practice and polemical stance on historical interpretation, already diverges from the perspective of current trends in the philosophy of history, its principles, and its methodology, not only in the US. It strongly reflects a particular ideological stance rather than being based in a nuanced understanding of historiography as a discipline. The latter is not merely about rewriting history but the study of how history is written, including the methodologies, interpretations, and biases that shape historical narratives. This strongly suggests the President did not seek the advice of qualified members of the academic community in drafting these policy guidelines.

The directive takes a reductionist approach and frames historiography as a battleground between “objective facts” and “distorted narrative driven by ideology”. This binary suggests a misunderstanding of how history is actually constructed and studied. Contemporary philosophy of history, drawing from thinkers like Hayden White (e.g., 1973 and 1986) and Frank Ankersmit (e.g., 1983; 2005, 2024), emphasizes that writing history is not a mere recitation of facts but an interpretive act. All historical narratives/representations are influenced by the historian’s perspective, cultural context, and methodological choices. Historians select, organize, and narrate events based on available evidence, and this process is inherently shaped by perspective, though not necessarily by “ideology” in the pejorative sense implied here. The claim that recent historical work replaces “objective facts” with distortion oversimplifies the discipline, ignoring the methodologies through which historians grapple with primary sources, competing interpretations, and the limits of evidence. It overlooks how historiography involves critical examination of sources, selection of details, and synthesis into coherent narratives, rather than serving as a mere instrumental political tool.

The text’s assertion of a “concerted and widespread effort to rewrite history” aligns with a popular critique from the political right often levelled at trends like critical race theory or postcolonial historiography. These approaches, prominent in current scholarship, reexamine traditional narratives (such as the triumphalist view of America’s founding) through lenses that highlight marginalized voices or systemic inequities. These voices or marginal elements are often only recoverable by rigorous archival work, looking beneath the surface. Philosophers of history like Dominick LaCapra (e.g., 1985, 2001, 2013) would argue this isn’t “revisionism” for its own sake but a methodological shift toward inclusivity and complexity. Dipesh Chakrabarty (2000) explicitly ties postcolonial historiography to a methodological shift that challenges Western historical frameworks, advocating uncovering subaltern histories, arguing that this emphasis on complexity and inclusivity isn’t revisionism for its own sake but a necessary expansion of historical inquiry. This aligns with modern historiography’s aim to uncover marginalized voices and challenge dominant narratives. This is a legitimate scholarly endeavour in its own right. The Executive Order’s language, however, represents this somehow as an attack on national identity and casts it as a moral failing (“national shame”) rather than a scholarly evolution, betraying a non-historian’s discomfort with ambiguity over a clear, unifying story. The text attempts to conflate the descriptive aims of scholarship as an autonomous field with the promotion of a prescriptive cultural agenda.

Methodologically, the text assumes historians once delivered a pure, untainted truth that’s now been corrupted. Yet, as E.H. Carr noted in What Is History? (1961), history has always been a dialogue between past and present. This implies that historians interpret the past based on their present concerns and conditions. In other words, historians' understanding of the past is inevitably influenced by the social, political, and cultural factors of their own time. The “remarkable achievements” the text defends (such as liberty and individual rights) aren’t denied in modern historiography but contextualized alongside contradictions like slavery or gender exclusion.

Current trends, influenced by social history and the “linguistic turn,” reject the idea of a single, fixed narrative, favouring instead a pluralistic understanding. Here, philosophical trends like postmodernism and structuralism, which challenge the notion of ‘objective facts’ by exploring how power dynamics and cultural frameworks shape historical knowledge, are disregarded by the executive order’s emphasis on ‘truth’ and ‘sanity.’ The author’s apparent nostalgia for an undisputed “legacy” suggests a populistic preference for history as patriotism rather than as inquiry.

The charge of “fostering division” also misreads historiographical intent. Scholars like Dipesh Chakrabarty, in works like Provincializing Europe (2000), argue that rethinking history’s Eurocentric or nationalist biases can broaden, not fracture, collective understanding. The Executive Order, by contrast, frames this as a zero-sum ideological war, a view imposing political rhetoric on academic practice".

In short, this portrayal of historiography reveals a non-specialist’s unease with the field’s complexity and its departure from a monolithic, celebratory narrative. It leans on a positivist fantasy of “objective facts” untouched by interpretation, which no serious philosopher of history today would endorse. While its concern for unity and pride is clear, it sidesteps the discipline’s core principle: that truth emerges not from defending a preconceived story but from wrestling with the past in all its messiness. The Executive Order is an attempt to politicize the discipline rather than engage with its principles and methodologies. It overlooks the richness and diversity of historiographical practices and the ongoing debates in the philosophy of history about the nature of historical truth and interpretation.  

 

References

Ankersmit, Frank 1983, Narrative logic. A semantic analysis of the historian's language, Den Haag: Nijhoff. 

Ankersmit, Frank 2005 Sublime Historical Experience, Stanford University Press Stanford, California 

Ankersmit, Frank 2024, 'Representation: The Birth of Historical Reality from the Death of the Past', Columbia Themes in Philosophy. 

Carr Edward Hallett 1961, 'What Is History?' University of Cambridge and Penguin Books 

LaCapra, Dominick, 1985. History and Criticism. Cornell University Press. 

LaCapra, Dominick.2001 Writing History, Writing Trauma. Johns Hopkins University Press, . 

LaCapra, Dominick, 2013. History, Literature, Critical Theory. Cornell University Press. 

Chakrabarty Dipesh 2000, 'Provincializing Europe: Postcolonial Thought and Historical Difference' Princeton University Press

White, Hayden 1973, 'Metahistory: The Historical Imagination in Nineteenth-Century Europe' Baltimore : The John Hopkins University Press. 

White, Hayden, 1987. The content of the form: narrative discourse and historical representation. Baltimore : The John Hopkins University Press.