AMLO Announces Renaming the Sea of Cortez to the Gulf of California in Historical Reevaluation

In an era where nations are reconsidering historical narratives and the legacy of colonization, Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador has demonstrated his commitment to reflecting on Mexico’s past. The Mexican leader recently declared his intention to change the name of a significant body of water — known as the Sea of Cortez — back to its previous name, the Gulf of California.

Renaming the Sea: A Step Towards Historical Reconciliation

During a public appearance, President López Obrador announced, “I went to Mexicali, to San Felipe, there in the Gulf of California. Before it was called the Sea of​​ Cortez, but we are going to change the name, the Gulf of California. What a Sea of​​ Cortez or anything!” This statement, delivered in the north of the Latin American country, rings with intent to detach the country’s geographical landmarks from colonial references.

The Sea of Cortez, also recognized as an extension of the Pacific Ocean located northwest of Mexico, will revert to the name the Gulf of California — a designation it held prior to being named in honor of the Spanish conquistador Hernán Cortés.

A Series of Cultural Reclamations

This proposed change is part of a trend within the current Mexican Administration to revisit and reassess the country’s history, especially the tumultuous period of Conquest. The government aims to illuminate the substantial culture and customs indigenous to Mexico that predated Spanish colonization. Such efforts have led to previous impactful gestures, such as renaming “Jardín de la Emperatriz,” after Nezahualcóyotl—a revered tlatoani (emperor) in the Mexica civilization—to offer tribute to the rich pre-Hispanic heritage over colonial narratives.

The “Jardín de la Emperatriz,” which rested within the walls of the National Palace in Mexico City, was once a homage to Empress Carlota, the consort of Emperor Maximilian of Habsburg who led Mexico briefly until his execution in 1867.

International Diplomacy and Historical Atrocities

Ambitiously, President López Obrador has called upon the Spanish monarchy to apologize for the historical abuses inflicted upon the native peoples during the conquests by their ancestors. One can recall the well-publicized letter issued by the Government of Mexico to King Felipe VI of Spain in 2021, which detailed the violent and painful foundation of the Mexican nation that started with personal ambition against the legal frameworks of the Crown of Castile, marked by innumerable crimes.

Shaping the Historical Identity of Mexico

The rechristening of the Sea of Cortez to its original name, the Gulf of California, is an emblematic step in Mexico’s journey to reclaim and redefine its historical identity. This navigational choice not only signals a shift in nomenclature but embodies a larger movement to honor Mexico’s pre-colonial past and the contributions of its indigenous populations. Through such actions, President López Obrador’s administration challenges the historical imprints of colonization and asserts the importance of an indigenous perspective in Mexico’s ongoing narrative.

Source: Sputnik World