Contested Histories Initiative

After independence, India faced a dilemma: erase colonial symbols or preserve them as history? In Delhi's Coronation Park, towering statues of British rulers were quietly relocated—neither celebrated nor destroyed. Instead, India turned the space into a "graveyard of empire," subtly reclaiming its narrative through indifference, memory, and transformation.  Read the case study on our website: https://lnkd.in/epBDdenQ

The Three Dikgosi Monument in Botswana has sparked a fierce debate about history, identity, and national pride. Unveiled in 2005, this colossal monument commemorates the ‘Founders of the Nation’—but what’s really behind the story? From accusations of colonial collaboration to tensions with ethnic minorities, this case study dives deep into the controversies surrounding the monument, its creation by a North Korean company, and the implications for Botswana’s postcolonial identity. Read the case study on our website: https://lnkd.in/eJyEBi5W 

We are still looking for an experienced online course developer to create a self-paced, free-access course for educators on teaching complex histories and contested heritage for the Monument(al) Challenges. The course, based on the Monument(al) Challenges Toolkit, will focus on Place-Based Learning and be hosted on Xperiencify. ‼️Find more information here: https://lnkd.in/eV-McjeN

We are still looking for a video producer for the Monument(al) Challenges project to create three video tutorials that expand on educational materials. The videos will focus on historical landmarks such as the Comfort Women Statue in Seoul, the Jan Pieterszoon Coen Statue in Hoorn, and the RTS Building in Belgrade. Each tutorial will incorporate interviews, footage, and dynamic elements like animations. ‼️Find more information here: https://lnkd.in/eCZ4QBQ5

How do street names shape public memory?  The Symposium on Naming Public Space in Enschede explored how street names influence urban identity, cultural heritage, and community values. Experts and citizens discussed inclusive naming, the role of regional languages, and the need for diverse representation in public spaces.  🔗 Read the full report on our website: https://lnkd.in/eA8hYQe3 Thank you to Willemijn Zwart for her invitation!

A bridge to history—or a barrier to change? A proposal to rename part of U.S. Highway 80 as The John R. Lewis Memorial Highway was meant to honour his legacy while avoiding direct opposition to changing the bridge’s name. Since the resolution stalled, the bridge’s controversial name remains—a symbol of history and ongoing struggle. Read the case study on our website: https://lnkd.in/eZuVCq78

The Martyrs’ Monument, inaugurated in 1982, honors the Algerians who fought for independence from France (1954–1962). In 2020, a visit by French Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin sparked controversy, highlighting lingering colonial tensions. While no official changes followed, the event reignited debates on historical accountability and reparations. Despite diplomatic efforts to mend ties, many Algerians still call for justice and compensation. Read the case study on our website: https://lnkd.in/eKvF8An8

Dive into the complex history of Queen Victoria’s statue in Hong Kong — a monument that has stood at the intersection of colonial heritage, political protest, and cultural identity for over a century.  From its commissioning in 1887 to mark Queen Victoria’s 50th year on the throne, its dramatic removal during the Pacific War, and its post-war return to Victoria Park, the statue has witnessed Hong Kong’s evolving history. Today, it remains a focal point of debate, reflecting tensions between its colonial past and current political struggles.  Our case study traces the statue’s journey, the moments of contestation — including acts of protest, vandalism, and public backlash — and the ongoing conversations about its place in Hong Kong’s cultural landscape.  Read the full story on our website and explore how public monuments can become powerful symbols in contested histories: https://lnkd.in/eBpTgPZn

For decades, families of the disappeared in Colombia have fought to uncover the truth about extrajudicial killings—only to be ignored. Now, murals across the country are amplifying their voices, turning urban art into a powerful form of resistance. But as quickly as these murals appear, they are censored, defaced, and covered up—revealing just how deeply the wounds of the armed conflict still divide the nation. In response, artists, activists, and citizens refuse to be silenced, repainting the message again and again. Explore how these murals expose historical injustices, challenge censorship, and unite a movement for truth and memory. Read our latest blog written by Isabella Crouch: https://lnkd.in/eQHUkxC3

For decades, Riga’s Victory Monument stood at the center of a deeply contested history. Built in 1985 to commemorate the Soviet Army’s victory over Nazi Germany, the monument later became a focal point of Latvia’s complex memory politics—seen by some as a tribute to liberation, while others viewed it as a painful reminder of Soviet occupation.  Following years of debate, protests, and political maneuvering, the Latvian government dismantled the monument in 2022, amid heightened tensions following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. This case study explores the long-standing controversy, the decision-making process, and the broader implications for historical memory in Latvia and beyond.  🔗 Read more about the monument’s contested legacy and removal on our website: https://lnkd.in/ekqDcPTs