Auschwitz I

[metaphorge]

DSCF0485, originally uploaded by metaphorge.

What's commonly known as "Auschwitz" is actually three separate concentration camps.

Auschwitz I was first established in 1940 and served as the administrative hub for the whole complex (and is the current site of the museum exhibits).

At any time, the camp held between 13,000 and 16,000 inmates; in 1942 the number reached 20,000. It was the site of the deaths of roughly 70,000 people, mostly Poles and Soviet prisoners of war.

There are more photos of Auschwitz I here; obviously, some of you may find them trigger-y.

Comments

[dancinglights.livejournal.com]

Thank you.

There is a bit of my heart that keeps wanting to visit one of these places, to remember. In a twisted-up fate, I feel like I wouldn't exist if they didn't, as my grandmother's less-immediate family were victims and consequently her immediate family fled to the US just in time. I don't know their whole story; the only ones that knew it couldn't bring themselves to talk, and are dead now. As they couldn't bring themselves to talk, I don't think I can bring myself to go. Thank you for bringing it here, in respect and sadness, small enough for me to handle right now.