A statelet called Christiana lives in the center of Copenhagen. The military headquarters, which was vacated after the decision to remove the troops from the city in 1968, was ‘occupied 3 by hippies and homeless three years later. Christiania, which has its own flag, joint management, kindergarten, shops and entertainment places, has a thousand inhabitants.
The flag of this small country consists of 3 red dots on a yellow background. The dots consist of the dots of the letter ‘I’ in the word ‘Christiania’. When you leave Christiana statelet, you see a sign “You are entering the territory of the European Union” written at Christiania’s exit.
Attracts 1 million tourists in a year
This is a kind of ‘resistance to modernity’ area in the center of civilization. Vehicle access to the area without central heating is also prohibited. Photographs are not allowed on Vej uden navn (Street Without Name), where cannabis and heroin are sold. Christiania, whose fame exceeds the borders of Denmark, tries to be isolated from modern life, but attracts 1 million ‘tourists her every year.
So, how can you walk around here? You need to make an appointment first. Tours are organized for groups on certain days of the week. Touristic excursion costs 30 Kroner and news excursion costs 180 Kroner. Because everyone in the neighborhood knows each other, foreigners are immediately spotted. Most of Christiania’s residents who live in shack homes are unemployed. Although the locals explain this figure as 20 percent, unemployment is actually 50 percent. In the past, Christiania statics, which did not pay for electricity and water, began to pay their bills to the Danish state in recent years.
Common cash register economy
The economy of this anti-modern village is as follows: Income from workshops, restaurants, grocery stores, bakeries and bars is collected in a common safe. In one year, 20 million Kroners (about 2.7 million euros) are flowing into the common cash register. Most of the income, tourists come to visit. It has been agreed that the state will be paid about 5 million crowns (660.000 euros) for electricity and water.
Citizens hate cops and drugs
The unpopular list in the region is the first cops. According to Christiania residents, the police department is sending inexperienced policemen to this area for an internship. Police raids have been a part of everyday life. The raid is mostly made on Olmayan Street without a Name ğı where drugs are sold outdoors. In these large operations, the police seize a considerable amount of drugs at regular intervals.
The people of Christiania have hated heavy drug users. Residents have therefore banned heavy drugs, weapons, violence, cars, theft and vest. Those who do not follow this rule are immediately removed from the region. It is also forbidden to run on the streets. Because running here means ‘the city is under occupation.. The most popular pet is the dog, but it is not allowed to take it.
Everybody has a word in management
Everyone has a say in Christiania’s administration. Decisions are taken in the joint parliament. One of the biggest crimes is theft. It is impossible for someone who has been identified as stealing to remain in the area. Those living in Christiania are called ‘Christianit.. Someone who is in a difficult economic situation immediately organizes a meal. While the soup is offered to the participants of the invitation, which is defined as a charity dinner, the donors receive 25 Kron (3.5 Euro).
There is also a large mail area at the entrance to Christiania. Letters are left here because the postman can’t get in. The Christianites come and take their letters themselves. Also, because there is no hospital inside, a doctor comes once a week. Although the practice is somewhat primitive, it works.
The capital is uncomfortable but…
Christiania is only a few kilometers away from the Danish Parliament and still has 19th century living conditions. The barracks and locals sitting in concrete blocks from the past century have to burn stoves to warm up. Those who live here are happy with their lives. So much so that they are letting the government eyen want to normalize bölge the region. The City of Copenhagen is dissatisfied with the use of one of the most beautiful places in in the city.
For 45 years, governments have prepared numerous projects about it, but have not been accepted by residents. The laws passed back from the high court. Nobody touches Christiania, which has become one of Copenhagen’s symbols. Residents are happy to be ‘free, and tourists come to see this kind of life instead.
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