50 years after the first pogrom in the GDR: Remembering Erfurt in 1975!

50 years after the first pogrom in the GDR: Remembering Erfurt in 1975!

What's going on in Erfurt? A dark episode in German history is being discussed again as preparations begin for the 50th anniversary of the racist riots. In the days from August 10th to 13th, 1975, there were shocking acts of violence against Algerian migrant workers in Erfurt, Thuringia. Loud Rostock town hall These events were described by both contemporary witnesses and scientists as an early pogrom in Germany. The acts were largely kept under wraps by the SED regime because they did not fit into the GDR's official anti-fascist worldview.

The background to the riots was the GDR's need to recruit workers from different countries. From the mid-1960s onwards, contract workers were brought in, including over 8,000 Algerians who worked in the GDR between 1974 and 1984. The working conditions were often significantly worse than those of the local workers, and direct contact with GDR citizens was largely undesirable. This created a climate of mistrust and misunderstanding, reinforced by widespread racist stereotypes. The federal government describes how, especially before the riots, rumors about Algerian migrants fueled tensions.

An explosive mix

On August 10, 1975, the resentment culminated in arguments. Loud Deutschlandfunk culture The Stasi documented that up to 300 Erfurt residents were hunting Algerian migrants. The following days were marked by brutal attacks. Historians have described the incidents as a turning point that was unique in the GDR. Although racism was seen as a problem of Western capitalism, racist thought patterns were widespread among the population.

Although the police had to intervene and protect the victims, the incidents did not simply go away. As the authorities downplayed the events, only six people responsible were brought to justice - without the racist dimension of the attacks being discussed. This meant that hardly any information was known about racist incidents in the GDR until reunification in 1990. Historians subsequently identified over 700 racist attacks, including fatal incidents, underscoring that these violence against foreign workers were not isolated incidents.

Remembering and commemorating

The preparations for the 50th anniversary of the events also include the organization of contemporary witness interviews with former Algerian contract workers in 2024. These interviews are an important step in coming to terms with this suppressed history. The 50th anniversary in August 2025 will provide an opportunity to reflect on the racist riots and their impact on society.

At a time when challenges around racism and inclusion still exist, it is essential to learn from history and give voice to the victims. The unprecedented attacks in Erfurt must remind us that we must always be vigilant to prevent similar tragedies in the future.