The First MINGZ PhD Walking Tour

20. April 2022

Foto: UHH/Lutsch

More than two years into the pandemic, it was time for Ph.D. candidates of the MIN faculty to gather for a themed walking tour - and what could be more fitting than a tour on the history of diseases in Hamburg. Ten Ph.D candidates from different departments met in front of city hall, the Hamburger Rathaus, on a windy day to learn about leprosy, the “black death”, and the cholera epidemic from our academic tutor Lara. The group could imagine the latter in front of the Cholera fountain behind the Rathaus. 

From the 12th to the 19th century Hamburg was struck by various epidemics, yet the measures taken to contain the spread were surprisingly consistent over a span of more than 500 years, and similarities to today’s measures and mistakes were easily identified by the group. Infected with leprosy for example were only allowed to talk “against the wind” and were isolated in special hospitals in distant St. Georg. These sensible measures were counteracted by claims that all disease stems from “miasma” – bad air from the soils – which were maintained by some “scholars” even after Robert Koch had already discovered the bacteria responsible for Cholera. And despite knowing that the black death would be able to enter the city if trade continued, keeping the economy afloat was reason enough for the aristocracy to let in merchants from Danish Altona.

Sadly, Hamburg was hit by more than one type of disaster over the years. The group learned about the great fire that burned down St. Petri church and the incredible trust of the people of Hamburg in their fire brigade. They were still holding a mass while the roof was already on fire. The tour ended where Hamburg was originally founded, above the ruins of the “Hammerburg” the first settlement at the Elbe river. This was also where the group settled for some drinks and to get to know each other a little better.

New walking tour topics were suggested and we might gather again soon to learn about pirates, trade, or the role of Hamburg during World War II. You can still register for the next tour on June 22, when the sun will hopefully shine on our city, so we can get to each other and explore its rich history together a little longer.