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EMMIR Edition 12 excursion: Moor colonization, concentration camps, and governance in East Frisia and Emsland

On Sunday, 8 September 2024, EMMIR students, faculty, and members of the consortium embarked on an insightful day trip to Oldenburg’s neighboring regions, East Frisia (Ostfriesland) and Emsland. The excursion provided participants with a deep dive into the historical and socio-political dynamics of these areas, focusing on themes of colonization, labor camps, and governance.


Photo credit: Chiamaka Akpuogwu


A journey through time

The trip began with a visit to the Moor and Peat Museum (Moormuseum) in Moordorf, where participants learned about the region's history of moor colonization (Moorkolonisation). From the 17th century onwards, vast peat bogs were laboriously transformed into arable land, a process requiring decades of hardship and generational effort. This transformation—known for the saying "Den Ersten der Tod, den Zweiten die Not, dem Dritten das Brot”  in German, or in English: "Death for the first generation, hardship for the second, bread for the third"—highlighted the intense labor struggles of the people, shedding light on how rural poverty played a significant role in shaping the area.


“Death for the first generation, hardship for the second, bread for the third”

Students were able to explore exhibits illustrating this difficult history, while also attending the ongoing harvest festival, where the region’s cultural heritage was on display. This part of the trip emphasized how the physical landscape and social history are deeply intertwined.


The Nazi era and concentration camps in Emsland

After Moordorf, the group traveled to Esterwegen, a historically significant site tied to the Nazi regime. The visit highlighted the region's darker history during the Nazi era, particularly focusing on the KZ Börgermoor, one of the early concentration camps built in Emsland in 1933. The camp was initially used for political prisoners and was a precursor to the extensive camp system that would follow.


During their visit, students learned about the infamous protest song, Moorsoldaten (Peat Bog Soldiers), written by prisoners at Börgermoor. This song, which became an anthem for resistance, spread across Europe during World War II and was translated into multiple languages. Though the group did not visit the camp memorial directly, the historical narrative of oppression and forced labor resonated with the group as they reflected on the parallels between this history and current global migration crises.


Carl von Ossietzky: A legacy of resistance

A significant part of the visit to Esterwegen is connected to the legacy of Carl von Ossietzky, the German journalist, pacifist, and Nobel Peace Prize laureate.


Carl von Ossietzky was an outspoken critic of Nazi militarism and German rearmament in the early 20th century. His bold stance against the regime led to his imprisonment in Nazi concentration camps, including Esterwegen. Despite his imprisonment and deteriorating health, he was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1935 for his fight for peace and freedom of thought. His story remains a testament to the enduring power of resistance in the face of oppression. The University of Oldenburg proudly bears his name, continuing his legacy of peace, justice, and human rights.


The day concluded with discussions on how these historical events intersect with broader themes of migration and intercultural relations, drawing connections between past injustices and contemporary struggles.


Reflecting on governance and migration

The day trip concluded with discussions about the intersections of migration, labor, governance, and human rights. Students were encouraged to draw connections between historical events, such as moor colonization and Nazi-era repression, and contemporary issues surrounding migration and governance. The excursion offered a unique opportunity to reflect on the ways in which past struggles for justice continue to shape today’s societal challenges.


This excursion was just one example of the EMMIR curriculum and activities over the next two years that provide students with valuable opportunities to connect historical knowledge with contemporary issues, offering a deeper understanding of migration and intercultural dynamics.

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