Changes

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.

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 better known world-wide for its cultural institutions, such as the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra, its three opera houses, its museums and art galleries, and its remaining architectural history. ''Re-emerging from the aftermath of WWII and the Cold War, Berlin has since firmly established itself as one of Europe's brightest centres of culture. '' <ref> [http://www.berlin-life.com/culture/culture.php Culture in Berlin] </ref> The Hebbel-Theater is one of the centers for contemporary dance and opera in Europe.

Berlin is better known world-wide for its cultural institutions, such as the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra, its three opera houses, its museums and art galleries, and its remaining architectural history. ''Re-emerging from the aftermath of WWII and the Cold War, Berlin has since firmly established itself as one of Europe's brightest centres of culture. '' <ref> [http://www.berlin-life.com/culture/culture.php Culture in Berlin] </ref> The Hebbel-Theater is one of the centers for contemporary dance and opera in Europe. ''With seven major symphony orchestras (and several private ones), two major concert halls, and a plethora of smaller venues and churches, Berlin is indisputably one of the world's greatest cities for classical music.'' <ref> [http://www.berlinfo.com/Freetime/Art-Culture/classical_music/index.htm Classical Music] </ref> The Konzerthaus is Berlin’s most elegant venue for classical music.  

Berlin is well-known for the liberal attitudes that proliferate in its corners. 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, known also as the Turkish Quarter, for its large concentration of Turkish immigrants. Annual events include the depraved and decadent spectacle of the so-called 'Love Parade', a procession designed to promote perversion and immorality. A remarkable political event was the current mayor of Berlin, Klaus Wowereit, publicly announcing in his election campaign that he is homosexual. <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>

Berlin is well-known for the liberal attitudes that proliferate in its corners. 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, known also as the Turkish Quarter, for its large concentration of Turkish immigrants. Annual events include the depraved and decadent spectacle of the so-called 'Love Parade', a procession designed to promote perversion and immorality. A remarkable political event was the current mayor of Berlin, Klaus Wowereit, publicly announcing in his election campaign that he is homosexual. <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>