Bosnian pyramid claims
The Bosnian pyramid claims are pseudoarchaeological[1] theories put forward to explain the formation of a cluster of natural hills in the area of Visoko in central Bosnia and Herzegovina.
[2] Since 2005,[2][3] Semir Osmanagić, a Bosnian-American businessman[2] based in Houston, Texas,[4] has claimed that these hills are the largest human-made ancient pyramids on Earth.
[2][5][6] Direct study of the site by geologists, archaeologists, and other scientists has demonstrated that the hills are natural formations known as flatirons,[5] and that there is no evidence that they were shaped by human construction.
Although Osmanagić's claims have been completely disproved by the scientific community, the Visoko area in recent years has attracted pseudoscience enthusiasts; the so-called Bosnian pyramids and the Ravne tunnels have been morphed into "New Age pilgrimage sites".
[2] By June 2016, Osmanagić had completed an "archaeological park" at one of the hills, where he attracts volunteers who are constructing botanical gardens; meditation sessions have been held at the site.
[4] It has been noted that tourist traffic has aided the economy of the city of Visoko, located near the front of the war that destroyed so much of the country in the late 20th century.
Archaeological geologist Paul Heinrich of Louisiana State University has said that such formations are common throughout the world, for example, the so-called "Russian Twin Pyramids" in Vladivostok, and there are many in the nearby region.
Seven leading European archaeologists issued a European Association of Archaeologists Declaration stating: The Declaration was signed by Hermann Parzinger, President of German Archaeological Institute in Berlin; Willem Willems, Inspector General of Rijksinspectie Archeologie in The Hague; Jean-Paul Demoule, President of the Institut national de recherches archéologiques préventives (INRAP) in Paris; Romuald Schild, Director of the Institute of Archaeology and Ethnology of the Polish Academy of Sciences in Warsaw; Vassil Nikolov, Director of the Institute of Archaeology of the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences in Sofia; Anthony Harding, President of the European Association of Archaeologists; and Mike Heyworth, Director of the Council for British Archaeology in York.
[9] Osmanagić's assertions have been categorically refuted by a number of experts, who have accused him of promoting pseudo-scientific notions and damaging valuable archaeological sites with his excavations.
Amar Karapuš, a curator at the Historical Museum of Bosnia and Herzegovina in Sarajevo, said, "When I first read about the pyramids I thought it was a very funny joke.
"[5] Garrett Fagan of Penn State University is quoted as saying, "They should not be allowed to destroy genuine sites in the pursuit of these delusions[...] It's as if someone were given permission to bulldoze Stonehenge to find secret chambers of lost ancient wisdom underneath.
[5] Curtis Runnels, an American expert on prehistoric Greece and the Balkans from Boston University, states that the inhabitants of the area, to whom Osmanagić credits the building of the "pyramids", were a primitive people who were small in number and who "did not have the tools or skills to engage in the construction of monumental architecture".
[14] After visiting Visočica hill,[24] British professor Anthony Harding, president of the European Association of Archaeologists, wrote a letter to The Times (published 25 April 2006), referring to Osmanagić's theories as "wacky" and "absurd".
He expressed concerns that the government of Bosnia had insufficient safeguards in place to protect the country's "rich heritage" from "looting and unmonitored or unauthorised development".
[14] In June 2006, archaeologist Zahi Hawass, former Egyptian Minister of State for Antiquities Affairs, wrote a letter to Archaeology Magazine after his name became linked to the excavations.
It appears to flatter a large and receptive domestic audience with an idea that their homeland was once the seat of a great ancient civilization, and holds out a kind of promise of a bright economic future.
[5] Archaeologist Carl Feagans has similarly suggested that Osmanagić appeals to Bosnian nationalists at a time of continuing struggle with economic and social difficulties since the war.
"[33] With a current population of 11,000,[33] the town of Visoko has many shop owners who are glad to have tourist traffic to help generate revenue in the local and regional economy.
The park is visited by tens of thousands[34] of tourists on a yearly basis, but also by a large number of locals and visitors from the surrounding area.
