What whispers do you hear from the stones beneath your feet? This is the Mahnmal für die Opfer des Faschismus. It is a memorial for the victims of Fascism. Here on the Platz der Einheit, we remember.
The Mahnmal für die Opfer des Faschismus stands as a stark reminder. It marks a dark chapter in Potsdam’s and Germany’s history. Inaugurated in 1975, the memorial commemorates those who resisted. They fought against Fascism. The memorial honors their sacrifice.
Originally, a different design was envisioned. The architect Werner Berg and sculptor Joachim Fitzermann created an initial ensemble. It featured a wall and a striking pyramid. This pyramid was made of red triangles. It symbolized the red badges worn by political prisoners in concentration camps. However, the SED leadership rejected this design. The pyramid was removed.
In 1980, Christian Roehl completed the memorial with his design. His work is a stainless steel flame bowl. It is shaped like an opening blossom. Sixteen steel petals reach towards the sun. These petals protect the eternal flame of remembrance.
The flame bowl is at the center of a starburst pattern. Natural stone slabs and paving stones radiate outward. They symbolize the light of the flame. It spreads in all directions.
The Mahnmal für die Opfer des Faschismus also includes a memorial wall. It runs in a right-angled arc. The wall encloses the ensemble on two sides. An inscription stands out from the wall. It proclaims: “UNSER OPFER/UNSER KAMPF/GEGEN FASCHISMUS UND KRIEG/DEN LEBENDEN ZUR MAHNUNG UND VERPFLICHTUNG”. This translates to: “OUR SACRIFICE/OUR FIGHT/AGAINST FASCISM AND WAR/TO THE LIVING FOR REMEMBRANCE AND OBLIGATION”. A small console is on the wall for flowers.
The Mahnmal’s design reflects typical East German memorial styles. It combines a wall and eternal flame. Christian Roehl’s flame bowl gives the memorial a timeless quality. Together with the memorial wall, it creates a place for mourning. It also serves as a space for reflection and renewal.
This place once housed representative buildings. It also featured a monument to Friedrich Wilhelm III. The Mahnmal für die Opfer des Faschismus marks a shift. It represents a transformation in the DDR era.
The Mahnmal stands as a testament. It embodies Potsdam’s commitment to remember. It also embodies the commitment to learn from the past. It serves as a reminder of the importance of resistance. It highlights the fight against oppression. The memorial honors the victims. It encourages future generations to stand up for justice. It also encourages them to stand up for peace. Take a moment to reflect on the sacrifices made. Consider the ongoing need for vigilance against all forms of injustice.