SOLINGEN

city, North RhineWestphalia Land (state), northwestern Germany. It lies along the Wupper River east of Dsseldorf. First mentioned in 965, it was chartered in 1374. In 1929 Solingen incorporated the equally old towns of Ohligs, Wald, Grafrath, and Hohscheid. The craft of sword making was established there in the Middle Ages, and Solingen shares with Thiers, Fr., and Sheffield, Eng., an international reputation as a cutlery centre. Severely damaged during World War II, the city centre has been rebuilt. The German Museum of Blades illustrates the historical development of cutting implements. A metallurgical industry also dominates the economy. Other products range from chemicals to sweets. Pop. (1991 est.) 165,401.