Identity through Urban Nomenclature: Eight Central European Cities

Geografisk Tidsskrift-Danish Journal of Geography 111(2):181–194, 2011 This paper deals with identity through city toponyms. Names of streets, squares, parks and lanes provide insight into a community's interpretation of its past, determined in relation to individuals, institutions and events. Street terminology becomes a pantheon of meritorious social icons. Changes indicate the trends, goals and aspirations of society. This study was conducted in the historical cores of eight Central European cities: Graz, Kraków, Olomouc, Prague, Maribor, Zagreb, Zadar and Mostar. Three time cross-sections were examined: 1935, 1985 and 2009. The year 1935 was an example of the social conditions before WWII and socialist revolutions in Eastern Europe. The period after the socialist era was reflected in 1985. The year 2009 represents the present situation (transition situation). WWII had more of an effect on urban nomenclature than the fall of the Berlin Wall, but this differs between the various cities. Finally, regarding the structure of toponyms, it is concluded that?statehood', 'culture-creators and artists' and 'religion' are overall the three most emphased origins of toponyms. Yet, in some cities other types of toponyms derived from localities, 'crafts and trades', 'entrepreneurs' are more dominant.