Kreuzberg

Kreuzberg is a district of Berlin, Germany. It is part of the Friedrichshain-Kreuzberg borough located south of Mitte.

During the Cold War era, it was one of the poorer areas of West Berlin. But since German reunification in 1990, it has changed a lot. Now it is known for its lively arts scene.

Many people in the area have families from other countries, especially Turkey. This started in the 1960s and 1970s when West Germany invited people from countries like Turkey, Italy, Greece, and Yugoslavia to help with work after the war. Today, Kreuzberg is famous for its rich mix of cultures and unique ways of living. Some parts of the district still have more people looking for jobs than in other areas.

Geography

Kreuzberg is a part of Berlin, Germany. It is next to the Spree river on its east side. The Landwehrkanal runs through Kreuzberg from east to west, and Paul-Lincke-Ufer street is nearby. You can also find the old U-Bahn line U1, Görlitzer Park in the SO 36 area, and Viktoriapark on the slope of Kreuzberg hill in SW 61.

Kreuzberg has two main zones: Östliches Kreuzberg (Berlin SO 36) and Westliches Kreuzberg (Kreuzberg 61).

History

Kreuzberg is a part of Berlin, Germany, that wasn’t a town before it became part of the city. It was created on October 1, 1920, when many smaller areas joined together to form larger parts of Berlin. It was first called Hallesches Tor, but later changed its name to Kreuzberg after a nearby hill.

Saarlandstraße (today's Stresemannstraße) looking towards "Askanischer Platz" with the ruin of Anhalt Station and the tower stump of the "Protestant Saint Luke's Church", after the air raids during World War II

For a long time, Kreuzberg was a quiet, rural place. But when industry grew in the 1860s, many buildings were built quickly to house more people. Kreuzberg became very crowded, with lots of people living in a small area.

During World War II, much of Kreuzberg was damaged by bombings. After the war, it became part of the American sector of Berlin. Because rents were kept low by law, many students, artists, and immigrants moved there. The area became known for its unique culture and alternative lifestyles.

Oranienplatz on Labour Day

After the Berlin Wall fell, Kreuzberg became a popular place to live again. Today, it is known for its young population and vibrant arts scene. In 2001, Kreuzberg joined with Friedrichshain to form the new borough of Friedrichshain-Kreuzberg.

Culture

Kreuzberg is important for Berlin's punk rock scene and other alternative groups. The SO36 club is a well-known music spot. It was popular with famous musicians like Iggy Pop and David Bowie in the 1970s.

Audre-Lorde-Straße. Street-name change in Kreuzberg.

Kreuzberg is a center for different cultures, especially influenced by African-American and hip hop traditions. The area is known for rap and breakdance. The Carnival of Cultures is a big yearly festival with parades, food, music, and art.

Kreuzberg is also a key place for LGBTQ life and arts in Berlin. It is home to the Schwules Museum, which shows queer history, art, and culture.

Kreuzberg in popular culture

Kreuzberg has been featured in many songs, movies, and stories. German musician Robin Schulz filmed part of his music video "Prayer in C" in the area. Turkish-German filmmaker Neco Celik showed American influence on the local culture in his film Alltag. German author Sven Regener set two of his novels in Kreuzberg.

The district was also a main location in the famous 1981 movie Possession, directed by Andrzej Żuławski. Bloc Party's song "Kreuzberg" mentions the East Side Gallery. Musicians like Stephen Malkmus and Sam Duckworth have also written songs about Kreuzberg. Rapper Killa Hakan often mentions the area in his music. The documentary Pool of Princesses focuses on three young girls living in Kreuzberg. Additionally, Kreuzberg appears in books and TV shows.

Economy

There is a tech-media company called Opinary in Berlin-Kreuzberg.

Places and buildings of interest

Rio-Reiser-Platz (former Heinrichplatz) in Kreuzberg

Waterside of the Landwehrkanal in Kreuzberg

Bridges over the Landwehrkanal in Kreuzberg

Berlin U-Bahn station Görlitzer Bahnhof

People

Kreuzberg is home to many interesting people.

Arthur Arndt was a doctor who helped many Jewish families stay safe during a difficult time in history. Konrad Zuse built the first computer in his parents' apartment in 1936. Peter Frankenfeld was a well-known comedian and TV personality. Today, people like journalist Dunja Hayali, writer Paul Alfred Kleinert, journalist Gabor Steingart, actor Benno Fürmann, and rapper Pashanim all call Kreuzberg home.