Schlutup: From Cold War Hotspot to Symbol of Reunification
The once bustling Cold War hotspot of Schlutup, now a peaceful suburban square, has a fascinating history. This small town in Germany was thrust into the global spotlight due to its location at the sealed inner-German border. A memorial stone, originally erected in 1956, serves as a poignant reminder of this era.
The name 'Schlutup' is believed to originate from the Low German phrase 'Shut up!', referring to the lock position of Schlutup on the Trave. In 1956, a boulder was placed at the border with the words 'Green up' inscribed on both sides. This served as a reference to the place name and a call to open the border. The boulder also bore the inscription 'Divided 1945 -' with a symbolic barbed wire, symbolizing the arbitrariness and inhumanity of the border.
In 1979, a customs building was erected in Schlutup, and the memorial stone was moved closer to the new building. The suburb suddenly found itself in the crosshairs of the Cold War due to its strategic location. The identity of those who erected the 'Green-Up' memorial stone at Mecklenburger Straße 12, 23568 Schlutup, and when it was relocated there, remains unknown.
After the border was opened in 1989, the inscription on the Green-Up memorial stone was updated to include the year '1989'. Today, Schlutup stands as a testament to the past, its once tense atmosphere now replaced by tranquility. The memorial serves as a reminder of the division and reunification of Germany.
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