German-Turkish Culture: Guest Workers, Doner Kebabs And Cultural Identity | Meet The Germans

Summary

This video explores the deep cultural connection between Germany and Turkey, tracing the history of Turkish immigration to Germany, particularly since the 1961 guest worker agreement. It highlights the Turkish influence on German society through food, music, and everyday life, despite challenges like integration struggles, identity conflicts, and political tensions. The video reflects on the impact of Turkish culture on modern Germany, touching on issues such as dual citizenship, xenophobia, and the complexities of belonging to both cultures. It also delves into the evolving migration patterns and the rising influence of the Turkish-German community in various sectors of life.

Takeaways

• 😀 Turkish culture has significantly influenced German society, especially in areas like food (e.g., döner, pide, and lahmacun) and daily life, such as bustling fruit markets and shisha bars.
• 😀 Germany is home to the largest Turkish population outside of Turkey, with more than three million people of Turkish descent.
• 😀 The Turkish migration to Germany began in 1961 through a guest worker agreement, initially intended as a temporary arrangement to address labor shortages in West Germany's post-war economy.
• 😀 Over time, many Turkish workers and their families chose to stay in Germany despite offers from the government to return to Turkey in the 1980s due to the end of the financial boom.
• 😀 Integration of Turkish immigrants was not prioritized in the early years, with limited incentives or support for learning German or engaging with the broader society.
• 😀 The Turkish Dormitory Initiative in Cologne, set up in the 1990s, preserves the history and personal stories of Turkish immigrants in Germany, with over 150,000 items in its collection.
• 😀 Dual citizenship for Turkish nationals was not allowed for decades, and even today, many with Turkish roots in Germany do not have German passports and cannot vote.
• 😀 Turkish-Germans often face identity struggles, being seen as foreign (kanakan) in Germany and criticized for being 'Germanized' (al-manji) in Turkey.
• 😀 Since the 2000s, migration patterns have shifted, with more people moving from Germany to Turkey, especially third- or fourth-generation German-Turks seeking to reconnect with their cultural roots.
• 😀 Political tensions between Germany and Turkey have been exacerbated by events like the 2016 coup attempt in Turkey, Erdogan's victory celebrations in Germany, and rising religious and xenophobic tensions, with the 2020 Hanau attack highlighting these challenges.

Q & A

How did Turkish culture influence German life?

Turkish culture has had a significant impact on Germany, especially through food, customs, and daily life. For example, Turkish fast food like Döner Kebab has become a billion-euro industry in Germany, and Turkish elements like bustling fruit markets and shisha bars have become common sights in cities. The Turkish community also plays a prominent role in shaping German society.

What is the historical connection between Germany and Turkey regarding migration?

The connection began in 1961 when West Germany signed an agreement with Turkey to bring in 'Gastarbeiter' (guest workers) to fill labor shortages during the post-war economic boom. Initially intended as a temporary arrangement, many workers stayed, and their families followed. Over time, integration efforts remained limited, and many Turkish immigrants faced isolation.

What was the situation for Turkish immigrants in Germany in the 1960s and 1970s?

Turkish immigrants in Germany during the 1960s and 1970s often faced cultural isolation. There were limited opportunities for integration, and many lived in dormitories or specific neighborhoods with little contact with the local population. Support for learning German was minimal, and women often experienced even greater isolation.

How did the oil crisis in 1973 affect Turkish immigrants in Germany?

The oil crisis in 1973 ended Germany's financial boom, and the government started offering financial incentives for Turkish immigrants to return to Turkey. However, many chose to stay in Germany, despite the government's efforts to encourage their return.

What is the Dormitory Initiative in Cologne?

The Dormitory Initiative in Cologne, established by Turkish immigrants in the 1990s, was created to preserve the stories of Turkish immigrants' lives in Germany. It houses over 150,000 items, including personal stories, cultural objects, and historical records, reflecting their journey, struggles, and successes.

How do the identities of people with Turkish roots in Germany often conflict?

People with Turkish roots in Germany often experience conflicting identities. In Germany, they may be marginalized with derogatory terms like 'Kanaken,' while in Turkey, they might be called 'Almanji,' a term for Turks perceived as too Germanized. These conflicts arise from their unique position in both cultures.

Why is the term 'migration background' controversial in Germany?

The term 'migration background' is controversial because it continues to separate individuals with foreign origins from the rest of the German population, despite the fact that many of these individuals were born in Germany. It perpetuates the idea of them being outsiders, even though they are part of the country's society.

What has been the trend in migration between Germany and Turkey in recent years?

In recent years, migration patterns have shifted, with some years seeing more people moving from Germany to Turkey than the other way around. This includes third and fourth-generation German Turks who speak German as their first language and feel a growing connection to Turkey, the country of their grandparents.

How did political tensions between Germany and Turkey affect the Turkish community in Germany?

Political tensions, particularly after the 2016 coup attempt in Turkey and President Erdogan's controversial policies, have strained relations between Germany and Turkey. Many in Germany’s Turkish community felt alienated when large celebrations for Erdogan's victory occurred in Germany, leading to accusations of rejecting liberal democracy. These tensions have further complicated identity issues for people with Turkish roots.

How does the experience of discrimination affect people with Turkish roots in Germany?

Studies show that people with Turkish-sounding names often face discrimination in Germany. This can occur in various aspects of life, including in schools, clubs, job applications, and housing searches. Additionally, xenophobia and violence against Turkish communities, including incidents like the 2020 Hanau attack and the NSU neo-Nazi group, have heightened concerns for their safety and acceptance.