Discover magazine has done an extensive piece on the ‘Bosnian Pyramid’ controversy which covers the influence of Semir ‘Sam’ Osmanagich in the publicity given to the story over the past couple of years, and also the role that nationalism has played in acceptance of the story:
At a time when Bosnia’s postwar morale is low, there is great appeal in Osmanagich’s message. According to his foundation’s Web site, 400,000 people visited the “pyramid valley” in 2007, although that figure is unverified. The pyramids provide the national myth that Bosnians have always lacked, plus an influx of money and an exciting new chapter in archaeology.
Except for one thing: Numerous top archaeologists and geologists point out that the pyramids are hills and nothing more.
Who is Sam Osmanagich, how has he become a national player in Bosnia’s heritage, and how have these pyramids—which so many experts believe are not pyramids at all—gained such a following?
The article is written from a distinct bias against the claims of Osmanagich, which the writer doesn’t conceal. “Osmanagich’s popularity and influence have continued to grow, and as they do, the most significant criticism now comes from a ring of anonymous bloggers who keep a meticulous record of the pyramid phenomenon,” the article states. “They regularly send e-mail updates of their investigation to a small group of international scientists and journalists, and this writer is one of them.” Later in the article, when it is mentioned that another exciting archaeological find is near the pyramid hill, any possible link is not even contemplated…the writer only describes it as “ironic”.
Having said that, the article does raise some good points about the role that politics is playing in the affair, and also points out that Osmanagich likes to drift on the breeze between putting across a scientific image, and a distinct New Age one. The various controversies that have surrounded the excavation, along with opinions from people I trust, lead me to be skeptical of the claims of Osmanagich (though open to good evidence) – although it seems I’m in a minority here. The Bosnian Pyramid team really need to openly publish the results of their investigation, with some solid evidence as to why they should be taken seriously.
Previously on TDG:
Also see Robert Schoch’s detailed report in our PDF magazine Sub Rosa (download Issue 6).
