There are no “sensitive” monuments in the city of Zurich
After examining 38 monuments, which revealed problematic aspects, the city of Zurich will now develop a monument strategy.
The examination of 38 monuments in the city of Zurich came to the conclusion that none can be classified as fundamentally “sensitive”. However, there are problematic aspects. The city will now develop a monument strategy.
The memorials usually only recognize parts of a person’s activities, the city council said on Wednesday, April 13, 2022. In the case of Alfred Escher, for example, his role as an entrepreneur. The monuments also stand for the values of a certain time. However, there are also problematic aspects.
Today it is known, for example, that Alfred Escher was indirectly involved with slavery through his uncle’s coffee plantation in Cuba.
Overall concept of “culture of remembrance” by 2024
According to the city council, such aspects could be made clear with additional information on the monuments. The monument strategy should therefore formulate guidelines for dealing with existing and new monuments.
The strategy is to become part of the planned overall concept for a culture of remembrance, which will be developed by 2024.
The historian Georg Kreis checked the 38 monuments on behalf of the city of Zurich in order to make the city’s references to racism and colonialism visible in public space. In doing so, it is constituted on the historical classification and history of origin, as stated in the communication.
The review followed a study by the University of Zurich that was published in late 2020. This attested to the city’s “diverse and relevant” connection to slavery.
More on the subject: