Have you ever walked down a street named after a distant land? Welcome to the Afrikanisches Viertel the African Quarter in Berlin. Right here you stand at the heart of a fascinating story. A story woven into the very fabric of its streets.
Before the First World War a grand vision took shape. Carl Hagenbeck planned a new zoo. It would rival his famous Tierpark in Hamburg. This wasn’t just any zoo. He envisioned a human zoo featuring people from Germany’s colonies. The war halted his plans. Yet the names remained. The streets largely kept the names that were given before the war interrupted Hagenbeck’s plans. Many streets bear names linked to Africa. They especially reflect parts of Africa that Germany colonized. Afrikanische Strasse Damara Strasse Kongostrasse are just a few examples. Even Manga-Bell-Platz commemorates this history.
These names aren’t merely street signs. They’re living reminders of a complex past. They represent a time of German colonialism. A time of exploitation and violence. Some names like those honoring colonial figures have caused controversy. Petersallee for instance was initially named for Carl Peters a key figure in colonizing parts of Africa. Peters was known for his brutality. He is remembered as Mikono wa Damu the one with blood on his hands in Tanzanian memory. Later the street was rededicated to Hans Peters an anti-Nazi resistance fighter. The name however stayed unchanged. Further changes were agreed upon in 2018. Petersallee was split. The resulting streets were renamed to reflect the Maji Maji Rebellion and Anna Mungunda. Lderitzstrasse now bears the name of Cornelius Frederiks. Nachtigalplatz became Manga-Bell-Platz honoring Emily and Rudolf Duala Manga Bell.
Since the late 1990s many African immigrants have made the Afrikanisches Viertel their home. Many hail from Ghana Cameroon and Nigeria. An estimated 2500 citizens of African nations live here. This doesn’t include naturalized immigrants or their children. A significant portion of Berlin’s 20000 legally registered residents of African heritage lives in Wedding and neighboring Tiergarten.
The Afrikanisches Viertel is more than just streets and houses. It’s a living museum. It’s a testament to Germany’s colonial past and its ongoing struggle with its legacy. The architecture speaks volumes too. Many buildings date back to the 1920s and 1930s. This includes some buildings designed by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe. They stand as silent witnesses to this evolving neighborhood. As you stroll through the Afrikanisches Viertel remember the layers of history beneath your feet. Remember the names. Remember the stories. Remember the ongoing dialogue of reconciliation and remembrance.