Berlin as European City: Omitting Postcolonial Conditions After 1989

This chapter critically examines Berlin’s urban development after 1989, focusing on how postcolonial legacies are systematically omitted from the city’s transformation into a “European City.” It is argued that colonial histories are not only marginalized but actively de-memorized in urban spaces, such as the Humboldt Forum, which contributes to the reinforcement of nationalist and right-wing ideologies. Through an exploration of two global historical events, like the 1885 Congo Conference and the 1992 Columbus Quincentenary, the chapter reveals a Eurocentric narrative that obscures colonial violence. The model of the “European city,” while emphasizing democratic ideals, fails to account for colonial and postcolonial connections, further marginalizing demands for equality and inclusion. The chapter concludes by advocating for a decolonial approach to urban planning that reconsiders European cities as interconnected, transnational spaces essential for fostering an inclusive global society.