Berlin's Skewed Alleys: New York Times Uncovers City's Grim History
The acclaimed New York Times (NYT) has delved into the history of Krumme Lanke, a picturesque settlement in Zehlendorf, Berlin. Originally constructed as an elite residential complex for the SS - an elite guard associated with Holocaust atrocities during the Nazi era - the area now exudes a charm that belies its grim past.
According to a report penned by NYT author Sally McGrane, Krumme Lanke, nestled alongside a lake, features a captivating landscape of small, storybook-like houses, verdant forest paths, and open meadows, creating an idyllic setting. Residents and visitors alike can enjoy leisurely walks, parks, and the lake, all without the invasion of cars.
SS Settlement Deception
While the current-day serenity of Krumme Lanke may seem worlds apart from its previous incarnation, darker moments from its history lurk beneath the surface. During World War II, the settlement offered accommodations for approximately 600 SS members and their families, each residing in various living arrangements, ranging from apartments to single-family homes, based on rank.
Following the war, the abandoned residences were repurposed and found new life mainly as housing for victims of Nazi persecution, including resistance fighters and refugees. Street names were altered, and the area was situated within the American sector of Berlin.
Today, dashed remnants of the past can still be felt in the everyday lives of residents, as they unearth relics from the era, such as coins adorned with swastikas or deal with the knowledge that their basements once functioned as air-raid shelters. Additionally, the dense foliage, once beneficial for evading air attacks, serves as a stark reminder of the area's tumultuous past.
On a plaque in the village, a poignant message reads: "The peaceful atmosphere that this settlement displays to the unbiased observer today makes it difficult to remember its history." Efforts to commemorate the area's past have garnered increased focus, and the NYT's report may extend awareness beyond German borders.
In related news, recent cultural developments in Berlin, such as the Boros Collection housed in an old Nazi bunker, emphasize the city's intricate history. The evolving use of these once military sites into thriving cultural centers serves as a testament to the transformation and healing that the city has undergone. Despite the lingering shadows of the past, Krumme Lanke continues to be admired for its natural beauty and recreational opportunities, leaving visitors and residents alike to appreciate the mesmerizing blend of history and tranquility.
- Despite its current idyllic setting, Krumme Lanke's home-and-garden scenes conceal a history rooted in politics, as it once served as a residence for the SS, associated with Nazi atrocities.
- As the world learns more about Krumme Lanke through the NYT's report, the general-news coverage also extends to other Berlin cultural developments, such as the repurposing of an old Nazi bunker into the Boros Collection, showcasing the city's history and transformation.
