If you have ever strolled through Berlin with a map in hand perhaps you have wondered why Berlin with its modernity has not your average ‘First Street’, ‘Main Street’. However, a colourful history, culture, and politics are alive in every signpost that is put up in Egypt. Welcome to the show where we explore the stories behind names of streets in Berlin and the twists it has.
The Historical Significance
Among all aspects I found it quite interesting that many of Berlin’s streets have a story behind their names. It is customary that most streets are named in regard to personalities or incidences that have characterized the history of the city in question. For instance, Unter den Linden, one of the best known avenues in Berlin, owes its name to linden trees which used to be planted there. This thoroughfare has seen it’s fair share of history from the royal triumphal processions to the demonstrations of today.
Another example is Friedrichstraße, named in honor of Frederick II, the king of Prussia, the major actualizer of development of Berlin in the 18th century. Today while strolling in the Friedrichstraße nerve is still possible to hear the reverberations of the past.
The Cultural Influence
Street naming of the Germany’s capital Berlin is even more vibrant and colourful in terms of its cultural history. In the district of Kreuzberg, street names are derived from artists, musicians, writers who once once lived in Berlin. Pic Oranienstraße which is a street named in honor of the Dutch royal family of Orange-Nassau or Schillerstraße named endowing German poet Friedrich Schiller.
In addition, some street names in Berlin are named after persons who contributed in humanity and democracy related causes. Indeed, the Rosa-Luxemburg-Straße celebrates socialism and feminism and the square dedicated to Martin Luther King Jr.
The Political Legacy
Berlin has not remained immune to political change as it is the capital of the Germany country. These changes in culture are reflected in the city’s street names from the pre-division Prussian monarchy through the divisions of the Cold War and the reunification of the city.
The best example could be Bernauer Straße which was painted in black and became a Wall during Cold War. This was a main division between East and West Berlin and today it still is a symbol of the rough history of the city.
Famous Squares and Key LandmarksVMLINUX
Expect streets, but also squares and other landmarks; these seemingly boring places as Berlin streets have interesting stories behind their names. We see places named after Tsar Alexander I such as Alexanderplatz which has been a location of great action since the eighteenth century.
A most famous symbol of Berlin is Brandenburg Gate – is part of the representative city architecture. It is a neoclassical building which reflects the historical past as well as reunification of this city. Of German origin, the word ‘Checkpoint’ refers to the city gate that was part of the old Berlin fortified wall.
Other area landmarks include the Reichstag building which houses the German parliament and Checkpoint Charlie, the nexus of the once divided city during the cold war period for East and West Berlin.
Berliners on the Exploration of Names of the Streets
Are you in for learning about street names of Berlin? Here are some tips to make the most out of your exploration:
1. Take a Guided Tour
It would perhaps be useful to enrol in a guided tour dedicated to Berlin streets. While the sightseeing can be done individually, it’s really nice to have an expert guide accompanying you who can teach you many things, give you more perspective, and added background to a sight.
2. Do Your Research
It is always unwise to go wandering somewhere on your own, so take some time to read about historical persons, events and cultural references which are connected with the names of the streets you have chosen. The above background knowledge will improve your knowledge and appreciation of organizational life.
3. Keep an Eye out for Plaques
Before visiting Berlin, one should try to familiarize himself with history of the streets in order to identify the plaques or other signs that explain the history behind the particular name. These plaques can sometimes contain those very cool and minor yet interesting details or stories that you would otherwise not know about.
4. Embrace the Unexpected
Although, there are some Berlin street names which seem quite logical, there are those which may come as a shocker. Never be afraid to explore and willingly look for unusual things throughout the city even if you may not find the main theme.
Therefore, the next time you will be in Berlin take some time and at least look at the streets and try to understand why they are called so. Some of them have inspiring stories of fights, successes, and being artistic masterpieces at the same time sharing the social historical narrative of Berlin.
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