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Page de couverture de Urban Highlights (english)

Urban Highlights (english)

Urban Highlights (english)

Auteur(s): Martin Benes
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 Welcome to Urban Highlights – Cities of the World! 🌍 Join us on a journey through the world’s most exciting metropolises and hidden gems. We’ll share fascinating landmarks, secret spots, quirky traditions, and curious stories that make each city truly unique. From bustling megacities to undiscovered treasures – we’ll bring you highlights you’ve probably never seen before. Get ready for an urban adventure – right in your ear. 🚀Martin Benes Essais et carnets de voyage Sciences sociales
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  • Accra – West Africa’s Vibrant Capital on the Gulf of Guinea

    Accra – West Africa’s Vibrant Capital on the Gulf of Guinea
    Nov 4 2025
    ---werbung---N26 ist ein kostenloses, mobiles Konto, das du in wenigen Minuten eröffnest – mit der Möglichkeit, Finanzprodukte und Krypto zu kaufen, Rechnungen mühelos mit Freunden zu teilen und sogar Prämien zu erhalten, wenn du andere einlädst. Wenn du ein Konto suchst, das dir dein Finanzleben wirklich erleichtert, ist jetzt der perfekte Moment, einzusteigen. JETZT KOSTENLOS ANMELDEN!---werbung--- General Facts The city of Accra is both the capital and the largest city of Ghana, located on the southern coast of West Africa along the Gulf of Guinea. The name “Accra” derives from the Akan word nkran, meaning “ant hill” — a reference to the many black ants found in the region. Accra lies within the administrative area known as the Greater Accra Region and covers a territory that continues to expand rapidly as the city grows. The metropolitan area has a population of over 5.5 million people (as of 2021). Important districts include Osu, Makola, James Town, Usshertown, and East Legon — neighborhoods that range from historic fishing and trading villages to vibrant, modern residential areas. History Accra’s origins trace back to small fishing villages established by the Ga-Volta people along the coast. In the 17th century, European traders built forts and trading posts in the area, such as Fort James and Fort Crevecoeur. In 1877, Accra became the capital of the British colony of the Gold Coast, and it remains the capital of independent Ghana today. A turning point in the city’s modern history came on February 28, 1948, when returning colonial war veterans led demonstrations in what became known as the Accra Riots — an event that acted as a catalyst for Ghana’s independence in 1957. Over the following decades, Accra transformed from an administrative and trading outpost into a fast-growing modern metropolis. Today, it serves as the seat of government institutions, universities, banks, and international corporations. Culture & Landmarks Accra bridges the cultural gap between traditional Ga festivals and a vibrant contemporary art and music scene. One of the city’s cultural highlights is the annual Chale Wote Street Art Festival, where streets come alive with murals, theater, dance, and music performances. Landmarks to explore: Kwame Nkrumah Mausoleum – A national monument honoring Ghana’s first president.Makola Market – A bustling open-air market where everything from fabrics to food is sold.Holy Spirit Cathedral – A striking church in Adabraka, completed in 1957.Culinary life in Accra is equally rich: dishes such as Jollof rice, Banku, and Fufu shape the city’s daily food culture. The nightlife in Osu is electric — full of Afrobeat rhythms, live music, and rooftop bars — a true reflection of Accra’s modern urban spirit. Society & Daily Life English is the official language in Accra, though local languages like Ga, Akan (Twi), and Ewe are widely spoken. The city’s religious life is dominated by Christianity and Islam, yet traditional beliefs still play an important cultural role. Education is a cornerstone of Accra’s identity. The University of Ghana, located in Legon to the north, is one of West Africa’s leading universities. The city’s appearance blends sleek skyscrapers with traditional neighborhoods, busy markets, and coastal promenades. Football is a national passion, and much of social life happens in small communities, street markets, and neighborhood gatherings — places filled with energy, color, and conversation. Economy & Infrastructure Accra is Ghana’s economic powerhouse. It hosts major banks, insurance companies, and trading firms. The Kotoka International Airport connects Accra to destinations around the world, while road and rail networks link the capital to inland regions and the port city of Tema. Key industries include food processing, textiles, and a growing creative and cultural economy. The rapid expansion of the city, however, also brings challenges such as traffic congestion, housing shortages, and infrastructure management. Yet the entrepreneurial spirit of Accra’s residents continues to drive innovation and urban renewal. Politics & Administration Accra forms the political center of Ghana. The city houses the Presidential Palace, Parliament, and key government ministries. It is governed by the Accra Metropolitan Assembly, which oversees development, planning, and public services. Through international partnerships and sister city relationships, Accra is increasingly engaged in global dialogue — especially in areas of urban development, infrastructure, and sustainability. Nature & Environment Geographically, Accra lies along the Gulf of Guinea, enjoying a tropical savanna climate with distinct wet and dry seasons. The city is dotted with beaches such as Labadi Beach and Bojo Beach, where locals and visitors gather to relax, swim, and watch the sunset. Green areas and parks are emerging ...
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  • Discover Berlin: The Capital of History, Culture, and Innovation

    Discover Berlin: The Capital of History, Culture, and Innovation
    Oct 12 2025
    ---werbung---N26 ist ein kostenloses, mobiles Konto, das du in wenigen Minuten eröffnest – mit der Möglichkeit, Finanzprodukte und Krypto zu kaufen, Rechnungen mühelos mit Freunden zu teilen und sogar Prämien zu erhalten, wenn du andere einlädst. Wenn du ein Konto suchst, das dir dein Finanzleben wirklich erleichtert, ist jetzt der perfekte Moment, einzusteigen. JETZT KOSTENLOS ANMELDEN!---werbung---Berlin – the vibrant capital of Germany – is not only the political heart of the nation but also a cultural melting pot, an economic powerhouse, and a city filled with legends. With around 3.8 million inhabitants (as of 2025), Berlin is Germany’s largest city. The name Berlin likely comes from the old Slavic word berl, meaning “swamp,” referring to its original location among rivers and wetlands. Today, the city covers an area of 891 square kilometers and is divided into twelve districts: Mitte, Friedrichshain-Kreuzberg, Charlottenburg-Wilmersdorf, Pankow, Neukölln, Tempelhof-Schöneberg, Treptow-Köpenick, Marzahn-Hellersdorf, Lichtenberg, Reinickendorf, Spandau, and Steglitz-Zehlendorf. Each district has its own charm – from the bustling heart of Mitte to the creative vibe of Kreuzberg and the leafy calm of Steglitz. The History of Berlin: From a Medieval Settlement to a Global Metropolis Berlin’s roots reach back to the 13th century when the twin villages of Berlin and Cölln were first mentioned in historical documents. Over the centuries, the city evolved into a Prussian royal residence and later into the capital of the German Empire. Pivotal moments such as the Revolution of 1848, industrialization, the Weimar Republic, and the division of the city by the Berlin Wall in 1961 have all left their mark. Figures like Kaiser Wilhelm II, Albert Einstein, Marlene Dietrich, and Willy Brandt shaped its history. The fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989 marked a world-changing event, reuniting a city and a nation. Today, memorials such as the Holocaust Memorial, the Berlin Wall Memorial, and numerous museums commemorate Berlin’s turbulent past. Culture & Attractions: Museums, Architecture, and Events Berlin is a cultural hub of global renown. The Museum Island, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, houses the Pergamon Museum, the Old National Gallery, and the Bode Museum. Architectural landmarks such as the Brandenburg Gate, the Reichstag with its glass dome, and the East Side Gallery – a surviving section of the Berlin Wall – symbolize both history and modernity. The city hosts world-famous events like the Berlinale Film Festival, the Carnival of Cultures, and the Long Night of Museums. Culinarily, Berlin offers a vibrant mix of traditional German dishes and international flavors – from currywurst and Berlin doughnuts to Turkish döner kebab and modern vegan cuisine in Prenzlauer Berg. Street art, alternative clubs, and cozy cafés shape the city’s unmistakable atmosphere. Society & Daily Life: Diversity and Dynamism Berliners mostly speak standard German, though the traditional Berlin dialect (“Berlinerisch”) can still be heard in older neighborhoods. The city’s religious landscape is diverse: Christians, Muslims, Jews, Buddhists, and many others live side by side. Education plays a central role, with institutions like Humboldt University, the Free University, and several applied science universities attracting students from all over the world. Sports are an essential part of city life, from football (Hertha BSC) to the Berlin Marathon and cycling culture. Everyday life in Berlin is shaped by multiculturalism, creativity, and a relaxed yet energetic urban rhythm. Economy & Infrastructure: Where Innovation Meets Tradition Berlin is a hub for services, media, the creative industries, and technology. Major companies like Siemens, Zalando, and Deutsche Bahn are headquartered here. The city’s extensive public transport network – U-Bahn, S-Bahn, trams, and buses – connects all districts efficiently, complemented by bike paths and e-scooters. The Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER) ensures international connectivity. Berlin has earned its nickname as Europe’s “startup capital,” where innovation, design, and technology converge to shape the city’s future. Politics & Governance: A Global Capital of Dialogue As Germany’s capital, Berlin is home to the federal government, the Bundestag, and many ministries. The city is governed by the Senate, headed by the Governing Mayor. Berlin maintains sister city partnerships with Paris, London, Moscow, and Istanbul, reflecting its international ties. Politically, it stands as a symbol of unity, diversity, and civic engagement. Nature & Environment: The Green Heart of the Metropolis Despite its size, Berlin is remarkably green. The Spree and Havel rivers, along with lakes like the Wannsee, and parks such as the Tiergarten, Volkspark Friedrichshain, and Tempelhofer Feld, offer relaxation and recreation. The city has a ...
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  • Discover Rio de Janeiro: Beaches, Culture & Secrets

    Discover Rio de Janeiro: Beaches, Culture & Secrets
    Oct 6 2025
    ---werbung---N26 ist ein kostenloses, mobiles Konto, das du in wenigen Minuten eröffnest – mit der Möglichkeit, Finanzprodukte und Krypto zu kaufen, Rechnungen mühelos mit Freunden zu teilen und sogar Prämien zu erhalten, wenn du andere einlädst. Wenn du ein Konto suchst, das dir dein Finanzleben wirklich erleichtert, ist jetzt der perfekte Moment, einzusteigen. JETZT KOSTENLOS ANMELDEN!---werbung---Rio de Janeiro – The City Between Mountains and Sea Rio de Janeiro, often simply called “Rio,” is one of Brazil’s most famous cities and a global symbol of joy, carnival, and breathtaking scenery. The name “Rio de Janeiro” literally means “January River,” a reminder that Portuguese explorers mistook the Guanabara Bay for the mouth of a river when they arrived on January 1, 1502. Today, the city stretches along a spectacular coastline in southeastern Brazil, between the Atlantic Ocean and lush green mountains. Covering an area of about 1,200 km², Rio may not be Brazil’s largest city, but it is home to roughly 6.7 million people, with over 12 million in the greater metropolitan region. The city is divided into numerous districts, from the tourist hotspots of Copacabana and Ipanema to the historic center with its colonial architecture, and up to the hilly, often poorer favelas that have become inseparably linked to Rio’s image. History – From Colonial Outpost to Modern Metropolis Rio de Janeiro was officially founded in 1565 by Portuguese settlers. Its seaside location made it a vital port for the trade of sugar, gold, and later coffee. During the Napoleonic Wars, Rio even became the capital of the Portuguese Empire in 1808, when the royal family fled Napoleon’s troops to Brazil. This left behind a legacy of grand architecture and regal culture, including landmarks like the Teatro Municipal and the Palácio Imperial. Prominent figures such as politician and abolitionist Joaquim Nabuco shaped the city in the 19th century, while modern icons like musician Antônio Carlos Jobim placed Rio on the global map of jazz and bossa nova. Historical developments such as the rise of the favelas, the evolution of the Carnival, and major international sporting events reveal a city that constantly balances tradition and modernity. Culture & Landmarks – A Melting Pot of the Senses Rio is a cultural fireworks display. The Christ the Redeemer statue atop Corcovado Mountain, a world-famous landmark, watches protectively over the city. Sugarloaf Mountain (Pão de Açúcar) offers stunning views of Guanabara Bay. Museums such as the Museu de Arte do Rio (MAR) and the futuristic Museu do Amanhã blend history, art, and science. The streets themselves become stages for samba and capoeira—especially during the legendary Carnival, when samba schools parade through the city in dazzling costumes. Rio’s cuisine mirrors Brazil’s diversity: Feijoada (a hearty bean stew with meat) is the national dish, while churrasco (barbecue) and tropical fruits like açaí and passionfruit delight locals and visitors alike. Little anecdotes—such as the sight of millions dressed in white along Copacabana Beach on New Year’s Eve—add a touch of magic to the city’s spirit. Society & Daily Life – The Rhythm of Rio Portuguese is the official language, spoken in a distinctive Brazilian accent characterized by melodic intonation and expressive phrasing. Religion plays an important role: Catholicism dominates, but evangelical churches, Afro-Brazilian faiths such as Candomblé, and spiritual practices within the favelas also shape the urban landscape. Education is widely accessible in urban centers, with renowned institutions like the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro. Sports are more than leisure—they are a passion. Football clubs like Flamengo and Fluminense inspire near-religious devotion, while volleyball and surfing are part of everyday life along the beaches. Daily life oscillates between the bustling city center and the peaceful, green sanctuaries tucked into the hills or along the coast. Economy & Infrastructure – The Beating Heart of Brazil Rio is one of Brazil’s major economic hubs. Its port is among the country’s largest, and the city serves as a center for the oil and gas industry, financial services, and tourism. Major corporations like Petrobras are headquartered here, and Galeão International Airport connects the metropolis to the world. Public transport includes buses, metro lines, and cable cars—most famously the one ascending Sugarloaf Mountain—though the city’s steep terrain and heavy traffic pose daily challenges. The favelas, some of which sustain their own micro-economies, add layers of social and economic complexity that make Rio both challenging and endlessly fascinating. Politics & Administration – Between Tradition and Progress Rio is governed by a mayor and city council responsible for local legislation, infrastructure, and public services. ...
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