New street names for Mannheim: Marco Polo, Ida Pfeiffer, Georg Balthasar Neumayer and Isabelle Eberhardt

New street names for Mannheim: Marco Polo, Ida Pfeiffer, Georg Balthasar Neumayer and Isabelle Eberhardt

renaming historically stressed street names in Mannheim

In a remarkable decision, the municipal council of Mannheim decided to rename four streets that were previously named after historically contaminated personalities. After careful examination by experts, the streets should in future bear the names of Marco Polo, Ida Pfeiffer, Georg Balthasar Neumayer and Isabelle Eberhardt. These new names were determined by a broad citizens' participation and coordination in March.

The choice of the new street names

The selection of the new street names marks an important step in an effort to give a historically correct and various name of public roads and squares. The renaming will be effective after a set period from January 1, 2025, as a spokeswoman for the city announced.

The signal for tolerance and diversity

The naming also reflects the striving for diversity and tolerance in Mannheim, as is emphasized in the “Mission statement 2030” of the city. Historical personalities associated with racism and colonialism should no longer be honored in the streets of the city. This redesign of the street names stands in accordance with the aim of a "Mannheim culture of diversity", which serves as the basis for a harmonious coexistence of all population groups.

Citizen participation and democratic process

The decision -making process for renaming the streets was characterized by intensive citizen participation. Over 235 name suggestions were submitted and carefully checked for their feasibility. The names now chosen reflect the motto of the affected district "Research travelers and people of the transcultural exchange" and underline the importance of intercultural dialogue in Mannheim.

This renaming is not just a symbolic act, but an important step towards a more various and more inclusive urban culture. By renaming the streets, a sign of the rejection of historical injustice and for an open and tolerant society is set. The decision of the municipal council of Mannheim shows that the city is actively committed to a lively and diverse culture of remembrance.

- Nag