When you ask genuine residents of Giessen about what makes their city unique, two symbols immediately come to mind: the Elefantenklo and Ulai. This exclamation originates from "manisch," a language used by marginalized social groups, conveying feelings akin to “amazing” or “wow!” (in English). Residents often use "Ulai" when they are surprised, impressed, or overwhelmed, marking something as particularly special.
For Norbert Alber, a 65-year-old Giessener, Ulai is more than just an exclamation; it's synonymous with home and has become integral to the city's landscape. Over recent weeks, Alber embarked on a quest through Giessen on his bicycle, equipped with a camera and keen eyesight, aiming to locate "Ulai" graffiti that had appeared on walls, bridges, or electricity poles.
Alber’s exploration led him to uncover 57 such inscriptions within the city center alone. On this page, you can find images of 15 of them. In one striking photograph at the top left corner showcasing the Eselswiesebrücke, "Ulai" appears twice. Alber emphasizes that Ulai is undeniably characteristic of Giessen's people and their culture—a sentiment vividly captured in his photographs.
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