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'''Berlin''' is the capital of [[Germany]], and formerly of the [[Kingdom of Prussia]] and the [[Margravate of Brandenburg]].

'''Berlin''' is the capital of [[Germany]], and formerly of the [[Kingdom of Prussia]] and the [[Margravate of Brandenburg]].

During the [[Cold War]] it was divided into an Eastern and a Western part. Both were considered to be under the control of the four WWII Allies. However, in fact, the USSR and East Germany, the German Democratic Republic, made East Berlin into the capital of East Germany, whereas the Western Allies (USA, UK, France) and West Germany, the Federal Republic Germany, insisted on the allied status of all sectors of Berlin and made Bonn into the provisional capital of West Germany. A [[Berlin Wall|wall]] between the two parts was built by East Germany in order to stop people escaping from East Berlin to  West Berlin for economic as well as political reasons.  Numerous people tried, sometimes successfully, to escape from East Germany via West Berlin by means as diverse as armored vehicles, tunnels, air balloons, a hideout in a car seat, a giant piece of cotton candy, and the floor of a car.

During the [[Cold War]] it was divided into an Eastern and a Western part. Both were considered to be under the control of the four WWII Allies. However, in fact, the USSR and East Germany, the German Democratic Republic, made East Berlin into the capital of East Germany, whereas the Western Allies (USA, UK, France) and West Germany, the Federal Republic Germany, insisted on the allied status of all sectors of Berlin and made Bonn into the provisional capital of West Germany. A [[Berlin Wall|wall]] between the two parts was built by East Germany in order to stop people escaping from East Berlin to  West Berlin for economic as well as political reasons.

Berlin is well-known for its liberal attitude and its large "alternative scene" that includes Germany's biggest community of snake charmers. During the time of the [[Cold War]], numerous young men from West Germany moved to West-Berlin, in order to avoid military service. They founded numerous communities, mainly in the city district "Kreuzberg". It is also the district with a strong community of Turkish.  

Berlin is well-known for its liberal attitude and its large "alternative scene". During the time of the [[Cold War]], numerous young men from West Germany moved to West-Berlin, in order to avoid military service. They founded numerous communities, mainly in the city district "Kreuzberg". It is also the district with a strong community of Turkish.  

Central yearly events are the Love Parade with techno music, the Cristopher Street Day Parade, and the snake charmer's convention, all with a significant portion of gay subevents. Another typical characteristic of Berliners is their so-called "Berliner Schnauze", prompt and sharp comments or replies. For outsiders it is often mistaken as rudeness.

Central yearly events are the Love Parade with techno music and the Cristopher Street Day Parade. Another typical characteristic of Berliners is their so-called "Berliner Schnauze", prompt and sharp comments or replies. For outsiders it is often mistaken as rudeness.

A remarkable political event was the current mayor of Berlin, Klaus Wowereit, publicly announcing in his election campaign that he is gay. <ref>article in NY Times [http://www.nytimes.com/2006/09/23/world/europe/23wowereit.html?ei=5090&en=fab18328b0dbeafe&ex=1316664000&partner=rssuserland&emc=rss&pagewanted=all]</ref>, which was considered "as important as the allied forces' airlift in 1948/49" by numerous political commentators in Germany.

A remarkable political event was the current mayor of Berlin, Klaus Wowereit, publicly announcing in his election campaign that he is gay. <ref>article in NY Times [http://www.nytimes.com/2006/09/23/world/europe/23wowereit.html?ei=5090&en=fab18328b0dbeafe&ex=1316664000&partner=rssuserland&emc=rss&pagewanted=all]</ref>

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