Origins and Geography of the Tartarian Empire
The Tartarian Empire, often known as “Tartary,” represents a vast and multifaceted region steeped in historical ambiguity and geographical complexity, spanning from the fringes of Europe to the depths of Asia.
Historical Context and Etymology
The term “Tartary” has its roots in the Greco-Roman word “Tartarus,” a deep abyss in ancient mythology, which later came to be associated with lands to the north and east of the known world.
Over time, “Tartary” evolved in use to describe a region that was only vaguely understood by European geographers.
The inhabitants of Tartary were generally referred to as “Tartars,” a term which is likely a European corruption of “Tatars,” a collective name for various Turkic peoples.
These labels, however, were applied broadly and inaccurately, often conflating distinct ethnic groups.
In the context of empire, there is no widespread academic agreement on a singular Tartarian Empire.
However, some modern conspiracy theories have postulated an advanced Tartarian civilization, claims that have been thoroughly debunked.
Historically though, the Mongol Empire, founded in the 13th century, overlapped with what was later known as Tartary, and its subsequent divisions such as the Golden Horde and the Chagatai Khanate occupied much of Central Asia and influenced its various peoples and cultures.
Geographical Extent
Tartary’s geographical boundaries were never precisely defined, changing over time with shifts in political power and geographical understanding.
Broadly, it extended from the Caspian Sea in the west to the Pacific Ocean in the east.
The expanse covered the bulk of modern-day Central Asia, encompassing countries like Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, and regions of Siberia.
It also included areas known as Inner Asia and parts of Mongolia.
It’s important to distinguish between “Great Tartary,” a term Europeans once used for the northern part of Asia, which encompassed Siberia, and “Chinese Tartary,” a region to the northeast, including Manchuria. “Independent Tartary” referred to the Central Asian domains that were not under significant Chinese or Russian influence.
Over time, areas such as Afghanistan, Tibet, and parts of Russian Tartary emerged within these nebulous boundaries.
The Ural Mountains often served as a European-conceived western border, and the term bore various connotations across different eras, also being associated with historical regions such as Scythia.
The diversity and breadth of the lands categorized under Tartary reflect historical European perspectives more than they represent coherent political or cultural entities.
For the Turkic peoples and other groups living in these expansive territories, the term “Tartary” itself did not encapsulate their varied identities and sovereignties, highlighting the complexity and contested nature of the region’s history.
Culture, Conspiracies, and Modern Interest
The Tartarian Empire, a subject of intense debate, intertwines rich cultural heritage with controversial conspiracy theories.
This section unpacks these perspectives and their impact on both history and modern discourse.
Tartarian Culture and Society
The Tartarian Empire, often associated with the extensive Mongol Empire, left behind a legacy of culture and societal norms reflective of the various Turkic and Mongolic peoples.
Historical maps and European sources from the era, such as those written by Flemish cartographer Abraham Ortelius, depict Tartaria as a vast region enveloping parts of China, Russia, and India.
The influence of Tartars, typically described as a collective term for Turkic-speaking tribes, extended across Asia and into European understanding, often portrayed in literature as a fearsome and formidable society.
Conspiracy Theories and Alternative History
Alternative histories and conspiracy theories regarding Tartaria have proliferated on social media platforms, including Facebook and Reddit.
The most prominent of these is the Tartaria conspiracy theory, suggesting a massive cover-up that erased the empire from history.
Proponents, like Anatoly Fomenko with his New Chronology, claim historical events and timelines have been deliberately falsified.
Concepts of a widespread “mud flood” that ostensibly buried Tartarian cities and the idea of advanced technology lost to time fuel these theories.
Influence on Architecture and Technology
Architectural achievements and supposed advanced technology are central to discussions about the Tartarian Empire.
Architect Ernest Flagg, known for the Singer Building, and structures like those at the Panama-Pacific International Exposition are sometimes claimed, without credible evidence, to be remnants of Tartarian architecture.
Theorists assert these buildings, with their intricate designs and formidable construction, indicate a level of technological sophistication not usually attributed to the eras they were built in.
Contemporary Discussions and Theories
The modern fascination with Tartaria makes its way through various channels, from YouTube videos to academic queries using tools like Google Ngram.
The empire’s mythos often draws parallels to lost civilizations like Atlantis and Lemuria, suggesting a grand narrative of historical civilizations fallen into obscurity.
While mainstream history does not recognize the fantastical elements of these claims, they remain a topic of intrigue and speculation among those questioning established historical narratives.