Welcome to the Contested Histories Digital Map!
The map enables you to explore the Contested Histories database, which comprises over 600 case studies spanning 134 countries worldwide. This map shows various heritage sites, monuments, buildings, and places that have been contested or debated due to their historical or cultural significance. The map helps users understand where these disputes occurred, why certain sites are controversial, and how they’ve been addressed or changed over time.
Not sure how to navigate the map? Watch the following tutorial and get started:
Case studies are designated with different colours, indicating the intensity of contestation:
Click on a point on the map for basic information on the case and a link to the published study.
Please note that the map is a work in progress, and it will be updated continuously; not all cases have been published yet. All published cases have undergone review by experts to ensure the accuracy of the content.
Please do not hesitate to contact us at contestedhistories@euroclio.eu. We always welcome help to identify other contestations, sending images where ones are missing, and noting errors or updates. We value your input!
Why use the map?
Find a Case: Each case on the map is labelled by a country and a specific place or name. You can explore different locations to see what kind of site or monument is being contested. Toggle the filters to explore similarities and differences between cases.
Check the Map Key: The key explains all the symbols and terms used in the map. For example, “Monument” refers to statues or memorials, while “Name” refers to streets or buildings named after someone.
Learn About the Contestation: Each case provides details about why the site is contested. This could be due to its association with colonialism, racism, or other legacies. You’ll also see the intensity of the dispute and who was involved in the initial contestation. You can also click a linked long-form case study for further investigation.
Understand the Response: The map illustrates how these contests have been addressed or remedied. For example, “Removal” indicates that the monument was taken down, while “Contextualization” indicates that a plaque or marker was added to explain its history. Toggle the filters to explore how different remedies have been applied for similar controversial figures or events.
Understand the Legacy: The map identifies the historical legacies associated with each site, such as colonialism, slavery, or nationalism, to help explain why the site or monument is contested and how its history influences current debates on remedy.
Understand the Legacy: The map identifies the historical legacies associated with each site, such as colonialism, slavery, or nationalism, to help explain why the site or monument is contested and how its history influences current debates on remedy.
Look for Patterns: You can use the map to identify lessons that can be learned across different legacies, remedies, controversial figures, or countries. For example, examine the various remedies used to address Soviet monuments or the remedies referenced in relation to monuments of Christopher Columbus.