BOGSIDE

Bogside ("the side of the bog") is the Catholic quarter of the city of Derry, located to the west of the walled enclosure. It grew up in the ^19th century, and was home to the city's Catholic workmen. As the years went by, it became poorer and more densely populated, turning into a veritable ghetto. In August 1969, the Bogside battle lasted three days, pitting local residents against the police. The violence of the riots was impressive. After this dramatic episode, barricades were erected here and in the neighboring Catholic districts. IRA militants patrolled the streets, and it soon became impossible for the police to enter. Its inhabitants dubbed it " Free Derry" and declared themselves independent of the civil authorities.

In 1972, it was in this area that the tragic events of Bloody Sunday took place. On January 30, 1972, thirteen Catholics lost their lives when British troops opened fire on unarmed demonstrators, turning the conflict into an international drama. Today, Bogside has been completely renovated, but remains a place touched by its tragic history. The old buildings have disappeared and the population has shrunk from over 30,000 to 8,000. The only witnesses to a bygone era are the murals recalling the country's difficult political history, including the famous " You are now entering Free Derry ", as well as paintings commemorating Bloody Sunday.