Upper Lusatia

Upper Lusatia is a historical region located in present-day eastern Germany, centered around the Neisse and upper Spree rivers. It was historically inhabited by the Sorbs, a Slavic people. The area was conquered by Germans in the 10th century, then incorporated into Poland, before being reconquered by Germans and absorbed into the German states of Meissen and Brandenburg. The Sorbs faced a period of Germanization and economic restrictions.

In 1635, Lusatia became part of Saxony. In 1815, it was divided, with Upper Lusatia remaining with Saxony and Lower Lusatia transferred to Prussia. The Prussian part experienced intensive Germanization. After World War II, western and central Lusatia became part of East Germany, where the Sorbs were guaranteed cultural rights. The eastern part became part of Poland.1