As of this writing, it’s 2024 and elections in various parts of the world, notably in the United States, Germany and Great Britain have shown that immigration is still top of the agenda for many people. Today we think of the topic as one sure to cause argument and bitter disagreements, and that was true in the past as well. Yet Berlin offers us a glimpse of how immigration can work for the good of both the new community as well as for the hosts. Let’s journey back several centuries in time and take a look at the Huguenots and how their legacy helped make Berlin into one of Europe’s greatest immigration success stories.
Who Were the Huguenots?
The Huguenots were members of the Reformed Church of France, who followed the teachings of John Calvin and embraced Protestant beliefs at a time when France was predominantly Catholic. For much of the 16th and 17th centuries, Huguenots faced intense persecution, which culminated in 1685 when King Louis XIV revoked the Edict of Nantes, a decree that had granted them religious freedoms. This led to an exodus of Huguenots, with about 20,000 arriving in Berlin and Brandenburg, regions then under the rule of Frederick William, Elector of Brandenburg, who offered them asylum through the Edict of Potsdam.
The Great Elector was a canny operator. Even as late as the 1680s, Berlin and the German lands were still recovering from the awful effects of the Thirty Years War, which had ended in 1648. The conflict left over half of Berlin’s population dead, and much of the city destroyed. The economy was in ruins, disease was rampant and for a while it seemed difficult to imagine how the city would ever recover.
Incidentely, for those interested in statistics, about 125,000 people died in Berlin in World War Two, or about 3% of the pre-war population. Given how horrible losing that 3% was, losing over 50% serves as a useful reminder to never underestimate the sheer horror of the Thirty Years War.
Executions of Huguenots after the Huguenot conspiracy of Amb Wellcome
The Great Elector decided, not without reason, that immigration would prove to be a clever solution to the question of how to best lift Berlin from the ashes of the war. Inviting foreigners in would repopulate, reinvigorate and not insignificantly, rearm, the state of Brandenburg, of which Berlin was the capital. The French Huguenots were the ideal people to target for this project.
The Huguenots and the Berlin Story of Immigration
The arrival of the Huguenots in Berlin thus set a precedent for Berlin as a welcoming city for those fleeing persecution, with the important caveat, as far as the Great Elector was concerned, that they contributed to the development of the city. Frederick William’s Edict of Potsdam not only invited the Huguenots to settle but offered them economic and religious protections in return for their hard work. This policy ended up fostering a culture of diversity and acceptance that has, with a few notable interruptions, continued in Berlin. Later waves of immigrants, including Polish workers in the 19th century, Eastern European Jews, and Turkish «guest workers» in the 1960s, followed a path that had been established by the Huguenots, each group adding its unique influence to Berlin’s cultural landscape.
Edict of Potsdam where the Huguenotts were invited to Berlin and Brandenburg
Their story reminds us that immigration is not new to Berlin, nor is it a passing trend. Rather, Berlin’s history is deeply intertwined with the contributions of those who came from other places, bringing their skills, traditions, and perspectives. Crucially, both host and arrivals benefited.
The Huguenots’ Impact on Berlin
When they arrived in Berlin, the Huguenots brought not only their faith but also valuable skills and trades that would shape the city for years to come, exactly as the Great Elector hoped. They were skilled artisans, weavers, merchants, and manufacturers, introducing new techniques and improving industries that were just getting back on their feet again after the war years. Berlin’s subsequent economic development in the 18th century is often credited to the Huguenots’ influence, as they played a vital role in strengthening the textile, leather, and paper industries among others. They also left a lasting impact on the city’s culture, contributing to Berlin’s linguistic, culinary, and religious diversity.
Five Places to Explore the Huguenot Legacy in Berlin
Over the centuries the French immigrants have become such a part of the Berlin landscape that it’s difficult to pinpoint exact locations where you can say «ah, this is French.» However, they do exist in small pockets and here are some places you can visit during your stay in the city:
1. The Französischer Dom (French Cathedral)
Located on Berlin’s Gendarmenmarkt square, the Französischer Dom is perhaps the most iconic reminder of the Huguenots in Berlin. Built between 1701 and 1705, the French Cathedral was constructed for the Huguenot community and designed by Jean Cayart, a Huguenot architect. Although heavily damaged during World War II, the cathedral was meticulously restored and now houses a museum dedicated to the history of the Huguenots.
The Gendarmenmarkt itself was named after an elite Prussian cavalry regiment that was later based nearby, many of whose members were staffed by French immigrants and their decedents. The Huguenot influence was really a gift that kept giving, from the point of view of the Prussian government.
2. The Huguenot Museum (Hugenottenmuseum)
Inside the Französischer Dom, the Huguenot Museum (Hugenottenmuseum) is an essential stop if you’re interested in the Huguenots’ legacy. The museum covers the social, economic, and cultural contributions of the Huguenots in Berlin and beyond. From displays of 17th-century craftwork to a look at the Huguenots’ influence on Berlin’s silk and textile industries, the museum provides a comprehensive understanding of how these immigrants shaped the city.
You’ll also find details about the challenges faced by the Huguenots, from navigating the new language and legal systems to preserving their religious practices. It’s a fascinating look at the process of integration and the resilience of immigrants building a new life far from home, issues still very relevant today.
3. Luisenstadt Churchyard
This historical cemetery in Berlin’s Mitte district contains the graves of many prominent Huguenots who settled in Berlin. Although many of the gravestones have weathered over time, the cemetery remains a peaceful place for reflection and is a testament to the contributions of the Huguenot community.
4. Dorotheenstadt Cemetery
Another important burial ground for Berlin’s Huguenot community is the Dorotheenstadt Cemetery, where notable Huguenot families and individuals were laid to rest. The cemetery also houses the graves of German intellectuals like Bertolt Brecht, the philosopher Hegel and the writer Heinrich Mann.
This cemetery is a peaceful, less-visited spot amid the bustle of the city center and also happens to be located on Chauseestrasse, which is a combined French and German word, meaning essentially «street street» when translated, which rather nicely underlines the merging of the two cultures centuries ago in Berlin.
5. Parochialstrasse and Klosterstrasse
In the neighborhoods surrounding Parochialstrasse and Klosterstrasse, you can still see remnants of the early Huguenot settlements. Here, Huguenot artisans set up their workshops, and over time, these streets became known for industries that the Huguenots brought to Berlin. Walking along these historic streets, one can imagine the bustling activity of Berlin’s Huguenot community, whose craftsmanship and industry helped set the foundations for Berlin’s future as an industrial hub.
Celebrating a Lasting Legacy
In these fraught times, it often feels like we’re facing entirely new questions and nobody has any meaningful answers. But many of these issues have been around for centuries. By strolling down Chauseestrasse or exploring the historic sites around Gendarmenmarkt, you can see for yourself how past generations approached similar challenges. It’s reassuring to realize that immigration and integration are not only possible but can also be deeply rewarding for everyone involved.
Berlin always finds a way, through its history, to help us better understand our present.
Click on the Huguenot Museum link below:
https://www.hugenottenmuseum-berlin.de/en
