On the 13th of February and the 14th of September in 1942, the names of 25 parks, streets and squares in Amsterdam that had been named after either Jewish people or living members of the Royal family, or social democrats, were changed. This was due to a regulation issued by the (German) occupying forces. Sarphatistreet became 'Muiderschans', Wilhelminastreet became 'Wester-Gasthuisstreet' and Wibautstreet was re-named Weesperpoortstreet. All of the name changes were then reversed after the war by the city council on the 18th of May 1945.
Most of these streets still exist in the different quarters of Amsterdam. But that period during the Occupation when their real identity was suppressed, and a false one was imposed, has been forgotten. Street names tell the history of a city; Transitoir aims to bring back to light that ultimately failed attempt to erase a part of Amsterdam’s identity.
The quest leads us through the different streets, squares and parks and highlights the meaning of their names and the temporary change which occurred there. Through investigating the archives and asking city residents what they personally remember, we have built up a picture of that lost, but significant, moment in time. Transitoir serves to remind us that what is suppressed and what is expressed are both equally valid parts of history, and that whether we recognise it or not, our everyday, physical environment forms a monument to both.
Contributions to this project are made by: Koen van Loon (historian) Henk Laloli (historian) and Willem van de Ven (WVDV studios)