Huguenots in Brandenburg in the 17th century Brandenburg’s reputation as refuge for religious refugees set the ground for the admittance of reformist immigrants in the second half of the 17th century. A huge part of them were French huguenots. The Thirty Year’s War (1618-1648) had hit the country hard. Some areas, like the Uckermark, lost…

Berlin in the 19th century Brandenburg’s history remains incomplete without Berlin. Over centuries, the city was the center of the country and the actual residence of electors and kings. Similar to Brandenburg, the city’s development was shaped by its many migrants that settled here. In the 17th century the generous expension of the city began,…

Salzburger in East Prussia in the 18th century Like the huguenots in the 17th century, the Salzburger immigrants are a famous example for the reception of religious refugees in the countries of the Hohenzollern monarchy. In 1731/32 the prince bishop of Salzburg expeled his Lutheran subjects – around 20 000 – out of his country.…

‘Resettlers’ and new beginnings 1945 WW II ended with the victory of the allies over Nazi Germany. The country was divided into four zones among USA, Great Britain, France and the Soviet Union. Brandenburg belonged to the Soviet zone (SBZ). The region was the site for bitter disputes during the last war days and belonged…

Migration in Brandenburg – a historical overview Migration with all its causes and facettes is not a recent phenomenon: Brandenburg is a region of immigration. Since the beginnings in the Middle Ages, when a territorium with the name Brandenburg developed, its immigrants significantly shaped the country’s history. First, German electors came as conquerers in the…

Jewish migrations in the 16th century Since Slavic times Jewish families lived in Brandenburg. In the Middles Ages they inhabited Alt- and Mittelmark in large numbers. They belonged to the first residents in the flourishing double-city Berlin-Cölln in the 13th century – and in Frankfurt Oder there was already a synagogue in 1300. At the…

Refugees learn photography In September 2017 young refugees exhibited their photographs at the Potsdam city hall. The exhibition was the result of a workshop series called ‘On the Move’ in which the participants learned how to take pictures. The photographs show their perspective of their new surroundigs, personal favorite places in Potsdam, portraits, memories, wishes…

Voluntary Year in Brandenburg Dijwar is a volunteer on a heritage protected estate in Heiligengrabe, Brandenburg. Aside from preservation of monuments he is raising animals and became close friends with the owner, Petra Puls. Watch our story to find out more. Location Further Information If you want to visit Dijwar and Petra as well as…

“I want to be a rapper” – young refugees in Trebbin Since February 2017, 15 unaccompanied minor refugees have been living in Trebbin. They are living in two units and living day by day going to school, learning German and leisure activities. Every one has their own story – however, we wanted to know: How…

Integrating newcomers into the labor market The integration of newcomers into the labor market can pose a challenge. Often, the lack of language skills and knowledge about the German apprenticeship system are hindering the job search. The Welcome Integration Network of the Chamber of Industry and Commerce in Potsdam supports newcomers in finding a training,…