December 2007, Poland, Lodz, Baluty - The heart of the old Litzmannstadt Ghetto, my vicinity. Baluty (the oldest part of Lodz) has been the poorest part of the city. Most of the old tenants that survived till now need renovation or as the one on the photo have fallen into ruin and they will be demolished in the future. Abandoned houses are the playground of the kids, temporary shelters for homeless. The mentally limited poor football hooligans are proud of their neighbourhood, even the dirty smelly rubbish dump they have to live. The most sad thing is the fact that people are fine with the depressing scenery, and they have no any willing to change it. Even those football hooligans could paint positive murals about their beloved FC. Their graffiti is always full of hate and proud of something that it is rather reason to be ashamed. This is my home city. Camera: Samsung GX 10, lens: Schneider-Kreuznach.
Hi,
I am a student in architecture who is entering an urban design competition with some fellow classmates. As the subject of our project we have chosen to concentrate on Baluty, Lodz. The purpose of this project is to initiate urban revival and solve social issues within the district through design. We are wondering if you would be able to possibly provide us with some information or references, or even to send us pictures of Baluty?
Your help would be extremely appreciated.
Thank you
Hello!i’m just a polish guy who is fond of photograph.You know it’s about our mentality,not laziness.Cheers 2 a photographer!Great photo.indeed!
HEY!
my family imigrate in1924 from BALUTY, LODZT to Argentine. Now they lived in argentine , u.s.a & israel. my father left baluty 4 years old and he only know that his family lived in a street named ” pepper street”( fefer gas - in idish) . may u help me identify the real name of the street ? thanks, ben pinkus
I grew up there, and now lead a life of privilege in comparison to the memory.
Went back there a few years ago, and it’s like you say, nothing has changed from my youth to now (30 years). I was told it was a bad area and I should not go there, yet I did not feel fear, it was the place I grew up in and it seemed that even the soccer thugs sensed something about my posture that was non-threatening. I walked from block to block, met only by mild curiosity by the onlookers. It felt good for me, kind of wished I could scream out, “look I made it!”.
LOL, made what? I don’t think anyone would care what I made or if I made it at all… They would think I was a crazy person. So I gave 10 zloty to some bums, who seemed more than happy to take it and run off in the direction of the nearest convenience store.
I will never forget Bałuty, that is for sure. All I remember is fondness, but those are memories of a child, and later a reminiscent adult. Thanks for the memory just the same.