If you keep your eyes to the ground when walking through Bebelplatz near the Gendarmenmarkt, you won't be able to miss the Memorial to the Nazi Book Burning. The empty bookshelves represent the universities and libraries that were emptied of all "un-German" works and publicly burned in the square on May 10, 1933.
I took this photo in the evening when the room is brightly lit and creates a stark contrast to the black night. The memorial was created by Israeli artist, Micha Ullman. It's a stark reminder of those terrible times. As people would later learn, the words of Herman Hesse rang true, "Where they burn books, they will ultimately also burn people."
Another month has rolled around. Happy Canada Day to all my Canadian readers! Don't forget to take a look here for more interpretations on this month's theme.
PS: For the moment, I'm posting more often at Halcyon Travels. Stop by and take a look!
powerful image
ReplyDeleteI agree, a very strong image.
ReplyDeleteI agree, a very strong image.
ReplyDeleteVivid and haunting.
ReplyDeleteAwesome; haunting, yes!
ReplyDeleteA thought-provoking and serious look down.
ReplyDeleteI knew you'd have a great shot for today's theme...and it's very poignant and sobering, too. Well done!
ReplyDeleteIt's unimaginable, the things that people did to others then. I agree with what is said above, a strong image!
ReplyDeleteA very strong image!
ReplyDeleteGreat monument and shot.
ReplyDeleteWhat a reminder for today's world. Great theme interpretation.
ReplyDeletea very stark reminder
ReplyDeleteThat is a very stark reminder indeed.
ReplyDeleteOh my gosh.. sent shivers down my spine Hal. Brilliant choice but as you say horrific prediction!
ReplyDeleteOh my gosh.. sent shivers down my spine Hal. Brilliant choice but as you say horrific prediction!
ReplyDeleteEine Welt ohne Kultur. ohne Werte, ohne Bücher. was für eine furchtbare Vorstellung.
ReplyDeleteWonderful pic & choice for the theme!
ReplyDeleteHappy Canada Day to you - you are one of us now!
That is so moving and a perfect interpretation of this month's theme.
ReplyDeleteI do like this.
ReplyDeleteI do like this.
ReplyDeleteEerie as we look at leaders who still want to appeal to those who don't read.
ReplyDeleteExcellent, Hal. In its use of negative space, it reminds me a bit of the September 11 memorial in New York City, which now has two pools spilling water into a void where the foundations of the two buildings were.
ReplyDeleteThis is truly a remarkable image!
ReplyDeleteThat's beautiful and poignant. The message is simple and immediate but it is not overstated.
ReplyDeleteGlad to see you back on the street in Berlin.
I think that's one of the most striking memorials I ever seen, you captured it at just the right time...
ReplyDelete