At the invitation of Prof. Dr Christoph Safferling, Director of the International Nuremberg Principles Academy, 20 experts from various institutions in Nuremberg and beyond gathered at the Academy for a workshop discussion.
In a lively exchange, they discussed the particular significance of “Nuremberg” both as a historically important place and as a concept in the politics of memory.
The discussion revealed how strongly the term “Nuremberg” is associated in public (historical) consciousness with several components: Nuremberg is a central reference point for the crimes of the Nazi regime and, as such, is crucial for remembering Nazi injustice, its perpetrators, and its victims. In addition, Nuremberg plays a special role in investigating and coming to terms with this regime of injustice, as well as in shaping the development of modern international criminal law. These different layers of memory connected to “Nuremberg,” each linked to different periods in the city’s history, are something visitors bring with them to the various institutions in Nuremberg. A culture of remembrance in Nuremberg must be aware of these associations and be flexible in addressing them in order to remain accessible to audiences from diverse backgrounds.
Against this backdrop, the participants discussed the implications for the culture of remembrance and engagement with history in Nuremberg. This is a task for which the various institutions have developed their own distinct approaches. This diversity of perspectives is reflected in the landscape of institutions dealing with Nuremberg’s history and culture, as well as in the different methods used to cultivate remembrance.
All participants found the exchange on Nuremberg, remembrance, and the role of cultural institutions in political education to be highly enriching, and similar discussion formats are therefore intended to be organised in the future. The Academy warmly thanks all participants for their contributions. (bk)