🇩🇪 Berliners, You’re Too Good at Hiding Gems…

Okay, forgive the clickbait—but Berlin actually has such an under-the-radar spot! I left work just as a light drizzle fell over Berlin. The wet streets made every brick and tile of the city seem to whisper softly. I suddenly remembered the line: “Pride, hope, worry—all rest now.” The freshness after rain mixed with the silence of the exhibition halls, pulling me into stories that span time. 🏛️ Kizil Murals: The Highlight That Took My Breath Away The most stunning part of the exhibition was the murals from the Kizil Caves in Xinjiang, China. These murals have weathered a thousand years, traveling along the Silk Road (once accompanied by the jingle of camel bells) and now stand quietly in this Berlin hall. The Buddhas and bodhisattvas on the murals still have solemn expressions, and their colors remain vivid—as if silently telling tales buried in the dust of history. More than symbols of Buddhist faith, they are a microcosm of cultural exchange on the Silk Road. The Buddhist elements in Qiuci art blended styles from the Central Plains, India, and the Western Regions, depicting the intersection and collision of ancient Eastern and Western civilizations. Though these murals left their homeland due to historical reasons, standing before them made me feel like part of a Silk Road journey—following in the footsteps of history and sensing a cross-temporal resonance. 🔍 Turpan Expeditions: A Look Back at Cultural History Behind the Kizil murals lies the legacy of early 20th-century German expeditions to Turpan. German teams ventured deep into the Western Regions, bringing back a wealth of Buddhist artifacts and artworks. These murals not only record the glory of Buddhist art but also witness their fate: being cut, transported, and scattered across the world. Some murals still bear clear traces of war; some fragments remain lost to this day. Standing before these fragmented artworks, I couldn’t help but sigh at their turbulent history—and regret the pieces that may never be reunited. 🌏 Cultural Collisions: Myanmar, Nagaland & India As I continued exploring, I wandered into halls showcasing cultures from Myanmar, Nagaland (India), and India itself: Myanmar’s exhibition featured masks that reflect the unique religious art style of the region. Nagaland’s section had familiar-looking figures, highlighting the distinct culture of ethnic minorities in eastern India. These exhibits wove together a tapestry of diverse cultures, telling stories of historical and cultural integration across different parts of Asia. 📄 The Drift of Cultures & Reflection The Humboldt Forum doesn’t just showcase the diversity of Asian cultures—it also carries reflections on colonial history. Behind these precious artifacts from China, India, Myanmar, and Africa lie complex historical threads, inviting visitors to think deeply about their origins and journeys. 🌧️ Farewell to the Museum By the time I walked out, the rain had stopped. Berlin’s sky peeked through with a hint of clearness, and the air smelled fresh after the downpour. But the historical memories from the exhibition halls still lingered in my mind. #HumboldtForum #KizilMurals #TurpanExpeditions #CulturalHeritage #HistoricalReflection #MyanmarCulture #Nagaland #BerlinTravelDiary