Like everything else in life, cities are constantly changing. War, politics, migration, the economy, technological progress and climate change prevent a city from remaining the same. Berlin is no exception and has probably undergone more changes in the last century than any other urban area in Europe. The city developed in the 13th century from groups of small settlements that came together. Later it became the capital of Prussia and continued to expand during the industrial revolution. Berlin is now the capital of Germany, a country whose current borders have only been set for the last 100 years. Since then, World War I and national-socialist rule have had an impact on the city. Germany’s defeat in World War II culminated in the Battle of Berlin in 1945. Berlin was then divided among the victors’ allies: the United States, Britain, France and the USSR. Berlin succumbed to communism in the 1960s, and the Berlin Wall was built to prevent eastern Berliners who had a lower standard of living than their Western counterparts from the “iron curtain” of Russian influence.
Gestapo officials enforced this and many human rights were violated until German reunification in 1989. The Berlin Wall fell on November 9, 1989, and the Germans joined in solemn scenes. So where is the second largest city of the 21st century? A key feature of modern Berlin is the love of graffiti and murals. The remains of the Berlin wall that were preserved were painted the year after his fall. Quiet pigeon pics and freedom can be seen here. One section says in both German and English: “Many small people who do many small things in many small places can change the face of the world.” The side of a building was painted with a copulating couple next to a bubble with the words “I love Berlin”. There is even a combined German and Israeli flag on the wall. In addition to the wall, Berlin has a thriving party and visual arts scene. West Berlin tends to attract a richer, richer crowd. The eastern half of the city had a bigger, cooler image and many artists lived here because of the low rents and creative atmosphere. The C / O Berlin Photo Gallery is located on Oranienburger Straße, a street full of galleries and artists, such as the famous Tacheles Arts Squat. Kreuzberg, a very Turkish region, developed from a very poor part of West Berlin to a cultural mecca. However, the city is still changing. Rising property prices in East Berlin mean that gentrification spans many artistic urban spaces.
People talk about Berlin’s cheap and edgy “past” and areas like Mitte, Prenzlauer Berg and Friedrichshain have gradually become a hub for expensive clothing stores and organic restaurants. Some of the less well-established galleries have had to close due to rising costs. It will be interesting to see how Berlin changes in the next century. The World Travel Guide Berlin is a good source of up-to-date information on activities, accommodation, practical tips and travel information.