Mitte in Leipzig, Saxony, Germany — Central Europe
40. Jahrestag der DDR
Orte der Friedlichen Revolution
⎯⎯⎯
40th anniversary of the GDR
Sites of the Peaceful Revolution
| — | '89 | — |
Photographed by James Hulse, March 11, 2026
1. 40. Jahrestag der DDR / 40th anniversary of the GDR Marker
7. Oktober 1989
40. Jahrestag der DDR -landesweite Proteste gegen das Regime
Obwohl sich die DDR in einer existenziellen Krise befand, bereitete die SED das 40-jährige Staatsjubiläum mit großem propagandistischen Aufwand vor. Zeitgleich wurde der Protest lauter. Auch in Leipzig stand der 7. Oktober 1989 im Zeichen von offiziellen Jubelfeiern und offenem Protest der Bevölkerung.
Obwohl die Nikolaikirche an diesem Tag geschlossen war, versammelten sich, ohne dass dazu aufgerufen wurde, seit den Vormittagsstunden immer wieder Menschen auf dem Nikolaikirchhof und versuchten auf dem Ring zu demonstrieren. Die Menschenmenge wuchs zeitweise auf über 4.000 Personen an.
Wie in vielen anderen Städten wurden an diesem Tag auch in Leipzig Demonstrationen gewaltsam aufgelöst. Die Polizei setzte Schlagstöcke sowie Hunde und erstmals auch Wasserwerfer ein – für die Bürger ein bis dahin unbekanntes Bild. Es gab zahlreiche Verletzte und Festnahmen. Allein in Leipzig wurden 210 Personen unter menschenunwürdigen Bedingungen teilweise länger als 24 Stunden in Pferdeställen auf dem Agra-Gelände in Markkleeberg eingesperrt.
Foto: Martin Naumann
October 7, 1989
40th anniversary of the GDR -nation-wide protests against the regime
Although East Germany was in an existential crisis, the SED prepared for the 40th anniversary of the State with great propaganda efforts. At the same time, the protest grew louder. In Leipzig, too, October 7, 1989, was characterized by both official celebrations and open protest by the population.
Although St. Nicholas' Church was closed for the day, people gathered of their own accord from the morning hours in the St. Nicholas' Churchyard and tried to demonstrate on the city ring road. The crowd grew at times to over 4,000 people.
As in many other cities demonstrations on that day in Leipzig were broken up violently. Police used batons and dogs and, for the first time, a water cannon - a hitherto unknown image for the citizens. There were numerous injuries and arrests. In Leipzig alone, 210 people were held in part for more than 24 hours under inhuman conditions in the horse stables at the Agra exhibition grounds in Markleeberg.
Photo: Martin Naumann
Erected by Stadt
this page online
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Government & Politics. A significant historical date for this entry is October 7, 1989.
Location. 51° 20.374′ N, 12° 22.771′ E. Marker is in Leipzig, Sachsen (Saxony). It is in Mitte. It is on Augustusplatz just west of Goethestraße, on the right when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: Augustuspl 9, Leipzig SN 04109, Germany. Touch for directions.
Regionally, it is in Europe, the European Union, Atlantic Europe, Central Europe, the Schengen Area, Western Europe, and the Western World. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Roman Empire and specifically also the Holy Roman Empire.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Zum Gedenken an die Familie Bamberger / In Memory of the Bamberger Family (within shouting distance of this marker); Friedensgebet und Ausreisedemonstration / Prayers for Peace and Demonstration for Freedom (within shouting distance of this marker); Universitätskirche St. Pauli / St. Paul's University Church (within
Photographed by James Hulse, March 11, 2026
2. 40. Jahrestag der DDR / 40th anniversary of the GDR Marker
Photographed by James Hulse, March 11, 2026
3. 40. Jahrestag der DDR / 40th anniversary of the GDR Marker
The view of the marker along the street.
Credits. This page was last revised on June 17, 2026. It was originally submitted on June 16, 2026, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. This page has been viewed 7 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on June 17, 2026, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.
