The Portuguese Quarter: A journey through history and enjoyment in Hamburg

The Portuguese Quarter: A journey through history and enjoyment in Hamburg

The Portugiesenviertel in Hamburg, located not far from the Landungsbrücken, is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike. The neighborhood emerged in the 1970s as Spanish and Portuguese immigrants increasingly settled in the area. These immigrants found a new home among the cheap old buildings from the Wilhelminian era and were often active in the areas of port work and trade. Already in the 50s and 60s the district was characterized by a lively gastronomy and harbor bars, which led to the development of a unique culinary heritage. Today there are around 40 restaurants that primarily offer traditional Iberian cuisine. During the summer months, Ditmar-Koel-Straße is a popular attraction, where passers-by stroll between the tables of Portuguese restaurants and souvenir stands.

The atmosphere in the district is Mediterranean, characterized by the tempting smells of fried fish and fresh seafood. This interplay of cuisine and culture creates a unique experience that reflects the soul of Hamburg.

Historical waves of immigration

However, the history of the Portuguese Quarter is not only shaped by the immigrants of the 20th century, but goes back to the 16th century. At that time, the first wave of immigration of Jews came to Hamburg, seeking refuge in the city as religious refugees. These immigrants, known as christãos novos, conversos and marranos, were Jews who were forced to convert under pressure from the Catholic Church. Despite the prevailing religious intolerance, the city of Hamburg provided some protection for the Sephardic Jews who lived not in the Portuguese Quarter, but also in the city area and in Altona, Denmark. The term Sephardim is derived from the Hebrew word for the Iberian Peninsula.

Jews had not been allowed to live in Hamburg since the Middle Ages, but this changed in 1612 when the city government increasingly prioritized economic interests. Hamburg was interested in participating in trade across the Atlantic, and the Portuguese Jews brought with them valuable trading contacts, particularly in Chinese porcelain.

Religious tolerance and conflict

The decision to admit Jews was the result of intensive debates within the city government. Although some Lutheran theologians supported the admission of Jews, the majority were skeptical. At the time, Judaism was seen as a threat to Christianity, which led to tensions and conflicts. Beginning in 1647, these tensions escalated as clergy publicly preached against the Jews, further stoking fears of blasphemy. The Portuguese Jews who had been allowed to live in Hamburg until then found themselves in an increasingly hostile environment.

Nevertheless, the Jewish community managed to define its private religious practice within the framework of a new Jewish order. This allowed Jews to pray in private and was largely driven by the expulsion of Ashkenazi Jews. They were banished from Hamburg in 1649 and sought refuge in neighboring Altona, where they received generous privileges under the Counts ofSchauburg. As the number of Portuguese Jews grew, so did their influence in the city, with scholars such as Moses Gideon Abudiente and Benedikt de Castro becoming influential figures in the community.

Overall, the history of the Portuguese Quarter reflects the complex interaction between immigration, religious intolerance and economic needs. Today, the district remains a living testimony to Hamburg's cultural diversity and the importance of the Jewish community in the city's history.