Syrian in Bautzen: Integration through culture and culinary diversity!

Syrian in Bautzen: Integration through culture and culinary diversity!

In recent years, the Situation of Syrian refugees in Germany has changed a lot. Since the outbreak of the civil war in 2011, more than 1 million Syrians have come to the Federal Republic, with part of it in cities such as Bautzen, North Rhine-Westphalia. A current event under the title "From Damascus to Bautzen" aimed not only presenting the internal of Syrian culture beyond war and flight, but also clearing out misunderstandings. Ziad al Eid, one of the organizers, came to Germany as a student in 2017 and describes how he had positive experiences in Bautzen despite prejudices and skeptical voices, while around 160,000 of his compatriots have now been naturalized. This reported MDR.

At the event, the participants were able to enjoy various Syrian delicacies such as Zaatar flatbread and desserts, which helped strengthen interest in a cultural bridge. Ziad al Eid’s wife, Laila Najib, who followed in 2019, also quickly found a job as an architect. Mohamad ATA wishes, who fled to Germany across the Balkans in 2015 and had had an interesting journey, can look back on positive integration. He started as a auxiliary worker and today headed the areas of purchasing, logistics and shipping in his company, a success story that gives many hope.

integration and challenges

The integration of Syrian refugees into the German labor market has gained dynamics in recent years. 224,940 Syrians: In the inside, in June 2024, employment subject to social security contributions, which was able to raise the employment rate to 31.9 percent of an employable age. A cornerstone for these successes is also educational investments and language support that urgently need to be available in order to further minimize the hurdles of integration. In comparison, many fight with obstacles such as long asylum procedures and difficulties in recognizing their qualifications. This is proven by the results of a survey, according to which 24 percent of Syrian immigrants are without school leaving certificate - a number that is in the opposite of the German population of only 4 percent bpb.

The big picture shows that Syrians: now the third largest group among foreigners: make up in Germany inside, behind the Turks and Ukrainians. By the end of 2023, around 712,000 Syrian protection seekers lived in Germany. These are 22 percent of all those seeking protection in the Federal Republic. However, the idea that all refugees want to return to the home country changes continuously. Many have settled in Germany and see a permanent future, as the surveys for asylum migration show.

The future of the Syrian refugees

With the fall of the Assad regime in December 2024, new discussion about the return options of the Syrian migrants. Chancellor Olaf Scholz emphasized that well -integrated and working people in Germany are welcome. At the same time, the German Bundestag shows a clear attitude that no deportations to Syria have been able to take place since 2012, due to the tense security situation.

Although there are positive stories to report, the image of the Syrian refugees remains shaped by challenges. Several women are forced to leave their homoing due to hostility. The vast majority of Syrian refugees - around 94 percent of those arrived until 2019 - want to live here permanently. The Federal Government also launched a voluntary departure program in which 40 people have returned for the first time by February 2025, explains the Media service Integration.