Kreuzberg

Kreuzberg (German pronunciation: [ˈkʁɔʏtsbɛʁk] ) is a district of Berlin, Germany. It is part of the Friedrichshain-Kreuzberg borough located south of Mitte. During the Cold War era, it was one of the poorest areas of West Berlin, but since German reunification in 1990, it has undergone significant gentrification and is now known for its vibrant arts scene. The borough is known for its high percentage of immigrants and descendants of immigrants, many of whom are of Turkish ancestry. This influx began in the 1960s and 1970s when West Germany invited 'Gastarbeiter' (guest workers) from various countries, including Turkey, Italy, Greece, and Yugoslavia, to address labour shortages and aid in post-war reconstruction. As of 2006, 31.6% of Kreuzberg's inhabitants did not have German citizenship. Kreuzberg is known for its diverse cultural life and experimental alternative lifestyles, making it an attractive area for many. However, some parts of the district are still characterised by higher levels of unemployment.