Photographer's Note
All over the world, Auschwitz has become a symbol of terror, genocide, and the Holocaust. It was established by the Nazis in the suburbs of the city of Oswiecim which, like other parts of Poland, was occupied by the Germans during the Second World War.
The name of the city of Oswiecim was changed to Auschwitz, which became the name of the camp as well. June 14, 1940, when the first transport of Polish political prisoner deportees arrived in Auschwitz, is regarded as the date when it began to function.
Over the following years, the camp was expanded and consisted of three main parts: Auschwitz I, Auschwitz II-Birkenau, and Auschwitz III-Monowitz. It also had over 40 sub-camps. At first, Poles were imprisoned and died in the camp. Afterwards, Soviet prisoners of war, Gypsies, and prisoners of other nationalities were also incarcerated there. Beginning in 1942, the camp became the site of the greatest mass murder in the history of humanity, which was committed against the European Jews as part of Hitler's plan for the complete destruction of that people.
The majority of the Jewish men, women and children deported to Auschwitz were sent to their deaths in the Birkenau gas chambers immediately after arrival. At the end of the war, in an effort to remove the traces of the crimes they had committed, the SS began dismantling and razing the gas chambers, crematoria, and other buildings, as well as burning documents.
Prisoners capable of marching were evacuated into the depths of the Reich. Those who remained behind in the camp were liberated by Red Army soldiers on January 27, 1945.
A July 2, 1947 act of the Polish parliament established the Auschwitz-Birkenau State Museum on the grounds of the two extant parts of the camp, Auschwitz I and Auschwitz II-Birkenau.
The site was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1979.
ribeiroantonio, dorte_s_t, Uhu, H2OKOT heeft deze opmerking als nuttig gemarkeerd
Critiques | Translate
ribeiroantonio
(22730) 2006-11-12 22:10
Even if it is a classical view this picture still is full of strong feelings towards tha place of human horror and death. The idea of a B&W picture was good but I think the conversion is not that good. It lacks contrast and it is very grey. However, it is well done over all.
Antonio
Budapestman
(82620) 2006-11-13 12:23
Hi Filippo!
This is a sad theme and very staggering place. Its an impressive composition and good choice the B&W. What a soulless atmosphere! Dreadful!
Thank you, nice days
George
dorte_s_t
(2287) 2006-11-29 15:12
Hi , Filippo .
Very interesting photo and note .
Like many others I have heard about this place in history lessons , but your excellent note made me a bit wiser . Thank you .
I think the B&W photo suits the note and the time , but I would be curious to see it in colours too ...
Anyway : very good photo and note !
Greetings
Dorte.
H2OKOT
(180) 2008-06-10 16:04
Hi Fillipo,
I like this picture and more over, I really like the note and the title. I have not been able to go there yet, but eventually Ill make my way. Horrific place.
Tfs
Marek
Photo Information
-
Copyright: Filippo Gherardi (pippo)
(596)
- Genre: Plaatsen
- Medium: Zwart-Wit
- Date Taken: 2004-08-17
- Categories: Ruïnes
- Belichting: f/4.5, 1/800 Seconden
- More Photo Info: view
- Fotoversie: Originele versie
- Date Submitted: 2006-11-12 11:49