Guben-Gubin is one of several divided cities that span the German-Polish border along the Oder and Neisse rivers. It is difficult to know whether to talk about Guben-Gubin - one name, two spellings and hyphenated - as one or two towns; in an effort toward reconciliation, ‘Gubien’ has been proposed. But the problem is more serious and difficult than a name. From the Middle Ages until the mid-twentieth century this was one town. Since the end of World War II it has been divided. In this relatively brief period of division the differences have become profound, and prospects for a reunified city have met with little success. Moreover, its border has come to represent the fissure between eastern and western Europe.
