Tempelhof-Schöneberg

Tempelhof-Schöneberg
Name	Tempelhof-Schöneberg
Coordinates	52°28′N 13°23′E
State	Berlin
City	Berlin
Area	53.09
Population	351,644
Population as of	2023
Density	6,600
Mayor	Jörn Oltmann
Party	Greens

Tempelhof-Schöneberg. It is the seventh borough of Berlin, formed in 2001 through the merger of the former districts of Tempelhof and Schöneberg. The borough is historically significant as the location of the iconic Tempelhof Airport and the Rathaus Schöneberg, which served as the seat of the West Berlin government and the symbolic site of John F. Kennedy's famous 1963 speech. Encompassing diverse neighborhoods from the bustling Schöneberg to the expansive Tempelhofer Feld, it is a major residential, commercial, and cultural hub within the German capital.

History

The area's history is deeply intertwined with Berlin's development, from its origins as medieval villages like Tempelhof, founded by the Knights Templar, and Schöneberg, first documented in 1264. The 19th century saw rapid urbanization following the opening of the Anhalter Bahnhof and the integration of the villages into Greater Berlin in 1920. During the Cold War, the borough was divided, with the Tempelhof Airport playing a crucial role in the Berlin Blockade and the subsequent Berlin Airlift, while Rathaus Schöneberg became the seat of the West Berlin Senate and the iconic backdrop for visits by U.S. Presidents like John F. Kennedy and Ronald Reagan. The fall of the Berlin Wall and the subsequent administrative reform led to the merger creating the present borough in 2001, with the decommissioned airport transformed into the vast public park Tempelhofer Feld.

Geography

Located in the south-central part of Berlin, the borough borders the districts of Charlottenburg-Wilmersdorf, Friedrichshain-Kreuzberg, Neukölln, and Steglitz-Zehlendorf. Its landscape is characterized by a mix of densely built-up urban areas and significant green spaces, most notably the expansive Tempelhofer Feld on the site of the former Tempelhof Airport. Other notable geographical features include the Teltow Plateau and the Landwehrkanal, which flows through parts of the borough. The area is well-connected by major traffic arteries such as the Bundesautobahn 100 and the Bundesstraße 96.

Demographics

With approximately 351,000 inhabitants, Tempelhof-Schöneberg is one of Berlin's most populous boroughs, featuring a highly diverse population. Neighborhoods like Schöneberg are known for a significant LGBT community and have historically been home to notable figures such as Albert Einstein, Marlene Dietrich, and David Bowie. The borough also has substantial communities with a migration background, particularly in areas like Tempelhof. The population density is high, though it varies considerably between the more suburban southern parts and the central, bustling neighborhoods near major hubs like the Kurfürstendamm.

Politics

The borough is governed by a district mayor and a district council. Since 2021, the mayor has been Jörn Oltmann of Bündnis 90/Die Grünen. The political landscape is varied, with strong showings for the SPD, the Greens, and the CDU in local elections. The borough assembly convenes at the historic Rathaus Schöneberg, a building of immense political symbolism due to its role during the Cold War and its association with the John F. Kennedy speech. Key political issues often revolve around urban development, housing, and the preservation and use of large spaces like the Tempelhofer Feld.

Economy and infrastructure

The borough hosts a robust and diversified economy, with major commercial centers along streets like the Kurfürstendamm, Hauptstraße, and around Schöneberg Town Hall. It is a significant location for media and service companies, with the Deutsche Welle and RTL Group having presences. Excellent transport links are provided by numerous Berlin U-Bahn lines, including the U1, U2, U4, U6, and U7, as well as Berlin S-Bahn stations like Südkreuz, one of the city's main railway hubs. The former Tempelhof Airport grounds now host various commercial and cultural events, contributing to the local economy.

Culture and sights

The borough is rich in cultural landmarks and institutions. Key sights include the Rathaus Schöneberg with its Freedom Bell and the adjacent Rudolf-Wilde-Park, the monumental Tempelhof Airport terminal building, and the Tempelhofer Feld park. Notable museums include the AlliiertenMuseum dedicated to Cold War history and the Schöneberg Museum. The area boasts vibrant nightlife and dining scenes, particularly in Schöneberg around Nollendorfplatz, famous for its LGBTQ+ venues. Other cultural highlights are the Kleistpark, the Alter St.-Matthäus-Kirchhof cemetery where the Brothers Grimm are buried, and the annual Schöneberg Festival.

Category:Tempelhof-Schöneberg Category:Boroughs of Berlin