Ralf Torsten-Speler
Opuscula Musealia, Volume 16, Volume 16 (2008), pp. 7 - 14
The city of Halle conveniently situated in the middle of Germany is the largest and most densely populated city in the state Saxony-Anhalt, with approximately 240,000 inhabitants. In 2006, the city celebrated its 1,200th anniversary, which makes it one of the oldest cities in central Germany. It rose to fame through its salt production in the Middle Ages, as the birthplace and early place of work of the composer Georg Friedrich Händel and, of course, as the seat of one of the oldest German Universities, Martin Luther University. The rich history of Halle is reflected in its many significant places of interest and in large variety of architectural monuments and cultural opportunities. Martin Luther University, founded in 1502, is the largest and oldest educational institution in the state Saxony-Anhalt. Currently, more than 18,000 students are enrolled in about 200 different programs. Education of undergraduate, graduate and postgraduate students ranges from Medical, Natural, and Agricultural Sciences to Social Sciences and Humanities, Theology and Law. Martin Luther University reaches international cooperation and exchange programs. Interdisciplinary research plays a key role. As a result of extensive research and development, innovative and future-oriented technologies lead to an establishment of new companies connected to the University.