Review article
https://doi.org/10.29162/ANAFORA.v12i2.7
Beyond the Belfast Peace Walls: Examining the Implications of Their Demolition on Society
Sara Miščin
orcid.org/0000-0002-9084-7349
; Classical Gymnasium Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
Abstract
The city of Belfast, historically marked by sectarian conflicts, is home to a unique urban feature—the peace walls. These tall barriers, initially erected as temporary protective measures, have evolved into deeply rooted symbols of the city’s historical and religious divisions. Erected during the Troubles, these structures physically separate Catholic/nationalist/republican communities from Protestant/unionist/loyalist communities. These walls have become integral parts of every tourist tour in Belfast. While tourists view the walls as attractions, some consider the walls to be responsible for ingraining the differences between the Protestant and Catholic communities, reinforcing two distinct identities, and portraying the profound antagonism between these communities. The year 2023 was supposed to be pivotal since it was the year when all the peace walls were supposed to be demolished and the communities around them united. However, the majority of the walls still stand, and the citizens of Belfast seem reluctant to give them up due to feelings of insecurity, fear of new confrontations between the two communities and lack of protection. The aim of this paper is to provide an in-depth analysis of the peace walls and their role in shaping Belfast’s society. The paper will explore their origins, the consequences of their existence, community perspectives, and various initiatives aimed at fostering peace and unity. Current efforts to dismantle the walls in search of avoiding a post-walls crisis and finding lasting peace will also be mentioned.
Keywords
Belfast, peace walls, segregation, crisis prevention, identity
Hrčak ID:
342960
URI
Publication date:
30.12.2025.
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