Between Memory and Modernity: Exploring Emotional and Spatial Attachment to East Berlin after the Fall of the Wall

Berlin has witnessed significant changes throughout its history, with one of the most recent turning points being the reunification of Germany and its capital. The city's nearly three-decade-long physical division impacted numerous generations and shaped its built environment, governed by two distinct governments. Although only scattered remnants of the Wall remain, the division left lasting traces, and the citizens of East Berlin have many connected memories. While extensive research exists on the physical and socio-economic impacts of Berlin's division and reunification, this study offers a unique perspective. It focuses on a new generation—those who know East Berlin only through stories and have never experienced life in the East German state. This research explores how the historical division of Berlin affects these young East Berliners today and their unique awareness of the city's history. The study employs qualitative interviews with young East Berlin residents, analyzing...Show moreBerlin has witnessed significant changes throughout its history, with one of the most recent turning points being the reunification of Germany and its capital. The city's nearly three-decade-long physical division impacted numerous generations and shaped its built environment, governed by two distinct governments. Although only scattered remnants of the Wall remain, the division left lasting traces, and the citizens of East Berlin have many connected memories. While extensive research exists on the physical and socio-economic impacts of Berlin's division and reunification, this study offers a unique perspective. It focuses on a new generation—those who know East Berlin only through stories and have never experienced life in the East German state. This research explores how the historical division of Berlin affects these young East Berliners today and their unique awareness of the city's history. The study employs qualitative interviews with young East Berlin residents, analyzing their perspectives through the lenses of a sense of belonging and heritage. The semi-structured interviews allowed for in-depth discussions of the participants' experiences and perceptions. While most participants feel that the city's historical past does not significantly impact their day-to-day lives, they recognize clear distinctions between former East and West Berlin. Additionally, they express a sense of connection and nostalgia for East Berlin's heritage, illustrating the enduring influence of the city's divided history. This research contributes to understanding how historical narratives and urban heritage influence contemporary identity formation. It suggests the complexity of place attachment in a city marked by continuity and change, highlighting the importance of considering the impact of historical division on urban identity.Show less

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Between Memory and Modernity: Exploring Emotional and Spatial Attachment to East Berlin after the Fall of the Wall