Dissonant heritage of Lodz - the historical narrative in the former Litzmannstadt Getto area

In 1940, due to Nazi’s orders, Balut – the Lodz’s quarter which was inhabited mostly by Jews, became a closed district – Litzmannstadt Ghetto. After the Second World War the communists decided to use it as a place where the new “ideal” district was to be raised.

Streets’ names, ones changed by German occupants, were never restored. New, socialist buildings were raised and the memories of the former Jewish Ghetto were subsequently erased. However, the new district has never been finished and reminiscences of the past became an integral part of Baluty – a hybrid-district.

Nowadays the quarters unveils its double characteristics, although its inhabitants frequently don’t fully identify with the place and its complicated history.

 

In 1940, due to Nazi’s orders, Balut – the Lodz’s quarter which was inhabited mostly by Jews, became a closed district – Litzmannstadt Ghetto. After the Second World War the communists decided to use it as a place where the new “ideal” district was to be raised.

Streets’ names, ones changed by German occupants, were never restored. New, socialist buildings were raised and the memories of the former Jewish Ghetto were subsequently erased. However, the new district has never been finished and reminiscences of the past became an integral part of Baluty – a hybrid-district

Nowadays the quarters unveils its double characteristics, although its inhabitants frequently don’t fully identify with the place and its complicated history.