POTSDAM – „Nomen est Omen"

Preußen (Prussia), Originalität (Originality), Tradition (Tradition), Schlösserlandschaft (Castle landscape), Diplomatie (Diplomacy), Arkadien (Arcadia), Multikulti (Multicultural)

The terms associated with the name are as multifaceted as this unique island city itself.

When, on July 3, 993, the 13-year-old King Otto III (980-1002) gave Potsdam and Geltow on paper to his aunt Mathilde, the abbess of Quedlinburg, even though the area did not belong to him at all, this donation at least served the documentary mention of both places. Three crusades later and through skillful inheritance policy, Albrecht the Bear (1136-1170) became Margrave of Brandenburg. Nearly 500 years later and after complete destruction by the Thirty Years’ War, Frederick William, the Great Elector (1620-88), young, cosmopolitan, and imaginative, took over the city of Potsdam and elevated it to the second residence alongside Berlin. Making use of the potential of nature, the idea from the beginning was to create a paradise out of the island of Potsdam, a synthesis of pragmatic utility and representative beauty.

 

Prussia

The creative will of Prussian kings shaped the city in various ways.

Initially, they established manufactories of all kinds - faience production, fabric production, and ruby glass production are exemplary - and with the attainment of the royal dignity in 1701 (“King in Prussia”), a self-confident bourgeoisie also grew in Potsdam. From 1713, the expansion into a garrison town took place, which was to shape Potsdam’s character for centuries. Cleverly, the so-called “Soldier King” organized the accommodation of the approximately 3,500 soldiers in the houses of the citizens, who, depending on their spatial size and wealth, had to accommodate and feed two to six soldiers for a small compensation. The Lustgarten was turned into a drill and parade ground, and in 1724 the city received a military orphanage, today the seat of ministries and environmental associations.

However, the most beautiful Prussian legacy is the stylishly composed architecture and garden art throughout the city, which you can admire during your stay.

 

Originality

In addition to the palaces, there are numerous unique buildings, such as the artificial ruins on the eponymous mountain, the “Persiusspeicher” in Norman style, and in every corner stands “Schinkel” today. A steam engine from the Borsig company was hidden in the mosque on the Havel Bay, dragons sit on their own house, glass vases were placed on the stibadium in the Paradiesgärtchen, and indoor camping was done in the tent room of Charlottenhof Palace. Imposing lions gave their name to a famous villa. The two private museums – “Palazzo Barberini” and “Minsk” by art patron Hasso Plattner – are also original.

Science made its entry in the futuristic Einstein Tower, and the building of the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK) took the shape of a “fidget spinner,” to be explored on the Telegrafenberg in the "Albert Einstein" Science Park.

Although it is golden and shiny, it tells the visitor “Ceci n’est pas un château.” (english: “This is not a castle.”), the inscription at the Landtag of Brandenburg (formerly City Palace).

Unique sightlines in the landscape connect many of the city’s attractions. In addition to the many residents (including Chancellor Olaf Scholz), Potsdam also boasts a municipal “ViP” (Verkehrsbetrieb Potsdam).

Extraordinary and particularly interesting for the profession of forensic pathologists are curious burials: For example, the former court official Jakob Paul Freiherr von Gundling (“self-proclaimed Diogenes and greatest drunkard of Prussia”) was buried in a barrel at the Bornstedt Cemetery in 1731. Frederick II himself decreed that he wanted to rest with his beloved greyhounds on the terrace of Sanssouci Palace, a wish that was only fulfilled 205 years later on August 17, 1991, at midnight.

The most original thing in Potsdam today is a “speed camera” on Hans-Thoma-Straße. A sign next to it reveals: “Here you will be lasered.”

 

Castle Landscape

Who doesn’t know the famous postcard view of the carefree palace “Sans, souci”.

Three large parks and 16 palaces and magnificent buildings provide world cultural enjoyment here on the island. Highly recommended, a “must have,” is the “Sanssouci” app; the “PotsdamHistory” app offers history to go.

Let yourself be surprised!

 

Diplomacy

When the famous Potsdam Conference was held at Cecilienhof Palace from July 17, 1945, to August 2, 1945, the Potsdam Agreement established the political foundation for a democratic reorientation of Germany. Weapons were silent, and the “art of negotiation” was back at the table together.

On the nearby Glienicke Bridge, the “iron curtain” opened several times between 1962 and 1986 for the famous spy exchanges as a result of diplomatic negotiations. It received the resonant name “Bridge of Spies” when Steven Spielberg filmed his movie of the same name with lead actor Tom Hanks at the original location.

Just put one foot on the “East side” and one on the “West side” of the bridge (metal band in the middle) and experience the reunification personally.

 

Arcadia

Both Frederick the Great and Frederick William IV (1795-1861) dreamed of a retreat of beauty where they could live freely. “Arcadia,” the dream landscape of the ancient Greeks, found its much-admired Prussian interpretation in Potsdam. Both kings sketched hand-drawn designs for their magnificent architects; the city of Potsdam owes its southern flair especially to Frederick William IV’s enthusiasm for Italy.

Discover during evening strolls through the city: tower villas, Potsdam “mountains,” lakes, parks. And yes! You may envy us residents a little for this fantastic city.

 

Multiculturalism

Openness to the world is a special virtue of the “Prussians.” When the Great Elector issued the “Edict of Potsdam” in 1685 to welcome the Huguenots expelled from France into the Margraviate of Brandenburg, it also opened up new living spaces for other cultures and emigrants. This was followed by Viennese Jewish families, Dutch craftsmen, Bohemian weavers and spinners, a Russian soldiers’ choir, Italian artists, Swiss houses, chinoiseries, Japanese cherry trees, English Tudor style, American actors, and many more. Among the more recent exiles were officials from the former Rhine provinces, as well as Indian restaurant operators, etc. The list is not exhaustive.

The fact is, however, that all subjects and objects left their marks on the city - in the form of the Russian Colony, the French Cathedral, the district of “Alt Nowawes,” as well as Babelsberg Palace and Park, to name just a few.

Contrary mentalities and opinions always provide fuel for the city. After years of struggle, it was possible to open a synagogue for all Jewish communities in the city on July 4, 2024.

Exactly today, on August 22, 2024, as I describe “my” Potsdam to you, the ceremonial opening of the rebuilt tower of the Potsdam Garrison Church is taking place. An occasion to critically engage with the “Day of Potsdam,” just before the Brandenburg state elections.

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Closing Remarks

May the famous Prussian virtues such as diligence, honesty, punctuality, and tolerance grant us all an interesting conference.

In fulfillment of the virtue of “thrift,” your conference president Prof. Dr. med. Knut Albrecht has taken over the overall organization “pour le Roi de Prusse,” literally: “for the King of Prussia,” i.e., free of charge, with his determined, dutiful, and reliable staff.

For the field of forensic medicine, I wish you continued excellent success in the service of justice: “Suum cuique” (“To each his own”)!

Yours truly,

Anette Müller