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[[Image:DSC00590_1.jpg|thumb|300|right|The Brandenburg Gate, viewed from the newly restored Paris Place.]]

[[Image:DSC00590_1.jpg|thumb|300|right|The Brandenburg Gate, viewed from the newly restored Parisier Platz.]]

'''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.

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". 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. Also known as the Turkish Quarter, for its large concrntration of Turkish immigrants.

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.

Central yearly events are the Love Parade with [[Techno]] music and the Cristopher Street Day Parade.  

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>

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>