Renaming Due to Colonial and Nazi Past
- BERLIN (AP) — Berlin is seeing a growing trend of streets being renamed, frequently enough due to controversies surrounding their namesakes' connections to colonialism or National Socialism.
- Over the past six years, at least 16 streets and squares in Berlin have been renamed, according to a survey by the German Press Agency among Berlin district...
- The districts of Mitte, Neukölln, and Charlottenburg-Wilmersdorf have been notably active in initiating these renamings.
Berlin Street Names Reflect History, Spark Debate
Table of Contents
BERLIN (AP) — Berlin is seeing a growing trend of streets being renamed, frequently enough due to controversies surrounding their namesakes’ connections to colonialism or National Socialism. While these changes aim to address historical injustices, the process is frequently lengthy and fraught with debate.
A Wave of Renaming
Over the past six years, at least 16 streets and squares in Berlin have been renamed, according to a survey by the German Press Agency among Berlin district offices. The primary impetus behind these changes is to remove names associated with colonial, racist, anti-Semitic, or National socialist ideologies.
The districts of Mitte, Neukölln, and Charlottenburg-Wilmersdorf have been notably active in initiating these renamings. In some instances, the changes are intended to honor deserving individuals or to correct inappropriate names.
Notable Examples
Several streets have already undergone name changes. In Neukölln, what was once Lucy-Lameck-Straße became Lucy-Lameck-Straße in 2021. In 2019, Petersallee in Mitte was divided into Anna-Icnunda-Allee and Maji-Maji-Allee. Other streets that have been renamed include Lüderitzstraße, now Cornelius-Fredericks-Straße, and Nachtigalplatz, which is now Manga-bell-Platz.
These changes followed discussions regarding historical figures like Hermann von Wissmann and August Lüderitz, who played significant roles in the German colonial era.
Honoring New Figures
Beyond removing problematic names, Berlin is also using street names to honor individuals deemed worthy of recognition. In Friedrichshain-Kreuzberg, Heinrichplatz was renamed Rio-Reiser-Platz in 2022. A section of Manteuffelstrasse became Audre-Lorde-Straße in 2023. Additionally, two police officers killed in the line of duty were honored with street names in Neukölln.
In Tempelhof-Schöneberg, Kaiser-Wilhelm-Platz was renamed in honor of former Federal President Richard von Weizsäcker.
Controversy and Delays
The proposed renaming of mohrenstrasse in Berlin-Mitte to Anton-Wilhelm-Amo-Straße has proven particularly contentious. Objections from local residents have stalled the process for years, and a final decision remains pending.
Future Changes
Additional renamings are either planned or have already been decided. Treitschkestrasse in Steglitz-Zehlendorf is slated to become Betty-Katz-Straße, and in Pankow, there are plans to rename Beuthstrasse as Elizabeth-Shaw-Straße. In Mitte, Martha-Indumbe-Platz may replace Nettelbeckplatz.
The Renaming process
Saskia Ellenbeck, a district councilor in tempelhof-Schöneberg, noted that street renamings are “only permitted in exceptional cases,” citing factors such as numerous complaints or a historically tainted namesake.
Impact on Residents
Residents often face practical challenges due to street renamings. While changing one’s address on an identity card is typically free, updating a vehicle registration certificate costs approximately 11 euros. Residents must also notify banks, insurance companies, and other service providers of their new address.
Political Considerations
Urban Ayka, a district councilor in Steglitz-Zehlendorf, emphasized the importance of political consensus, stating, “It is significant that the decision is borne by a political majority to achieve a high level of acceptance.” He added that the path to a new street name is often “long – and politically competitive.”
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Berlin Street Renamings: Your Questions Answered
Q: Why are so many streets in Berlin being renamed?
A: Berlin is currently experiencing a wave of street renamings,primarily driven by a desire to address historical injustices. These changes aim to remove names associated with controversial figures and ideologies,particularly those linked to colonialism,racism,anti-Semitism,and National Socialism. This reflects a broader effort to confront the city’s complex past and promote a more inclusive present.
Q: How many streets have been renamed in Berlin recently?
A: Over the past six years, at least 16 streets and squares in Berlin have been renamed. This facts is based on a survey conducted by the German Press Agency among Berlin district offices.
Q: Which districts are most active in renaming streets?
A: The districts of Mitte, neukölln, and charlottenburg-Wilmersdorf have been the most active in initiating street renamings.
Q: Can you give some examples of streets that have already changed their names?
A: Yes, several streets have already been renamed:
In Neukölln, Lucy-Lameck-straße replaced its prior name in 2021.
In Mitte, Petersallee was divided into Anna-Icnunda-Allee and Maji-Maji-Allee in 2019.
Lüderitzstraße is now Cornelius-Fredericks-Straße.
Nachtigalplatz is now Manga-bell-Platz.
These changes frequently enough follow discussions regarding historical figures involved in the German colonial era,such as Hermann von Wissmann and August Lüderitz.
Q: Are these renamings just about removing controversial figures?
A: No, while removing offensive names is a key driver, the renamings also serve to honor individuals worthy of recognition.
Q: can you provide examples of streets that have been renamed to honor new figures?
A: Certainly. The following examples demonstrate this trend:
Heinrichplatz in Friedrichshain-Kreuzberg was renamed Rio-Reiser-Platz in 2022.
A section of Manteuffelstrasse became Audre-Lorde-Straße in 2023.
Two police officers killed in the line of duty were honored with street names in Neukölln.
Kaiser-Wilhelm-Platz in Tempelhof-Schöneberg was renamed in honor of former Federal President Richard von Weizsäcker.
Q: Is every renaming project universally accepted?
A: Not at all. The renaming process can be quiet contentious. The proposed renaming of mohrenstrasse in Berlin-Mitte to Anton-Wilhelm-Amo-Straße has been particularly controversial,with objections from local residents stalling the process for years.
Q: What future street name changes are planned or have been decided?
A: Several future renamings are planned or have already been decided:
Treitschkestrasse in Steglitz-Zehlendorf is slated to become Betty-Katz-Straße.
In Pankow, there are plans to rename Beuthstrasse as Elizabeth-Shaw-Straße.
* In Mitte,Martha-Indumbe-Platz may replace Nettelbeckplatz.
Q: What is the process for renaming a street?
A: According to Saskia Ellenbeck, a district councilor in Tempelhof-Schöneberg, street renamings are “onyl permitted in exceptional cases.” These are often triggered by factors such as numerous complaints or a historically tainted namesake.
Q: What are the practical impacts of a street renaming on residents?
A: Residents face several practical challenges.While changing one’s address on an identity card is typically free,updating a vehicle registration certificate costs approximately 11 euros. Residents also need to notify banks, insurance companies, and other service providers of their new address, which can be a time-consuming process.
Q: What role does politics play in the renaming process?
A: Politics plays a significant role. Urban Ayka, a district councilor in Steglitz-Zehlendorf, emphasized that ”It is significant that the decision is borne by a political majority to achieve a high level of acceptance.” He added that the path to a new street name is often “long – and politically competitive.” Political consensus is thus crucial for the triumphant adoption of a new street name.