BTU students promote intercultural dialogue through an innovative module

BTU students promote intercultural dialogue through an innovative module

On August 18, 2025, the Brandenburg Technical University (BTU) will open a significant new chapter on its central campus: the FrauenOrt for Bililee Ajiamé Machbuba. This women's space is the first dedicated to a black woman and provides a space for reflection on (colonial) history as well as marginalized perspectives. With this initiative, the BTU's goal is not only to raise awareness of the history of slavery, but also to create a place where intercultural dialogue is promoted.

The construction of the FrauenOrt coincides with the FÜS module “BTU4Future”, which has been offered since the summer semester of 2022. Almost all bachelor's and master's degree programs at BTU require the completion of an interdisciplinary module that integrates both theoretical knowledge and practical application. In this context, students have the opportunity to discover new perspectives and strengthen their personal and interpersonal skills. A focus of the module in the summer semester of 2023 was on cultural sustainability and cultures of remembrance.

Interdisciplinary collaboration and participation

Abnet Mengesha Bekele, a master's student at BTU, emphasizes that the FÜS module offers a platform for students to actively consider changes. It combines online and face-to-face sessions as well as field trips, creating an innovative learning environment. The collaboration with guest lecturer Patricia Vester, an artist and activist for BIPoC, strengthens the interdisciplinary orientation of the module.

The concept of “BTU4Future” follows a participatory approach to promoting sustainability. This resulted in numerous projects that the participants presented at the inauguration ceremony of the FrauenOrt on July 9, 2025. The students' projects address various social and cultural issues and aim to contribute to social transformation.

The Story of Mahbuba and Her Legacy

If you look into the past, you come across the fascinating figure of Bililee Ajiamé Machbuba, who was born around 1825 and died on October 27, 1840. Mahbuba, as she was also called, was an Oromo girl from what is now Ethiopia who was brought to Germany as a slave. She played a key role in establishing Oromo language studies in Europe by performing their oral traditions and songs.

While she lived as a slave under Count Hermann Ludwig Heinrich von Pückler-Muskau, she became a prominent voice in her culture. Mahbuba died in October 1840, possibly of tuberculosis, and was buried in the St. Jacobi Cemetery in Bad Muskau. Her posthumous portrait and skull, created in the years following her death, attest to the relevance of her story.

In modern times, Mahbuba's legacy has been further honored through measures such as the unveiling of an Ethiopian cross at her grave in 2017. This return to recognizing and coming to terms with their history is part of a broader social discourse about colonial history and the visibility of marginalized voices.

Thus, the opening of the Women's Place for Bililee Ajiamé Machbuba is not only a tribute to an important historical figure, but also a step towards a more inclusive and fair language and culture at the BTU and beyond.

For further information about the BTU and the “BTU4Future” module, those interested can BTU website visit. Further details about the story of Mahbuba can be found on the Wikipedia page, which delves into her life story, as well as the archived materials documenting Mahbuba's legacy and songs.