Solingen arson attack
A series of 16 photographs
In the days following the Solingen arson attack on May 29, 1993, which claimed the lives of five members of the Turkish-German Genç family, shock and grief swept through the city and across Germany. Thousands of people gathered in Solingen for vigils and demonstrations, with both Turkish and German communities coming together in expressions of solidarity, mourning, and condemnation of the racist violence. Political leaders, including then-Chancellor Helmut Kohl, faced criticism for their perceived slow response, while local residents and activists demanded stronger measures against xenophobia and racism. The attack prompted widespread media coverage and public discourse about Germany’s rising far-right extremism and the need for societal and governmental change. This tragic event left a lasting impact on Solingen, symbolizing both the dangers of racial hatred and the resilience of communities in the face of tragedy.
