Experience diversity: The life of the Turkish community in Germany

Experience diversity: The life of the Turkish community in Germany

The Turkish community is the largest group among people with a migration background in Germany. This is reflected in the diverse stories of individual lives within this vibrant community. An impressive portrait captures the lives of German-Turkish people in Germany and addresses both their hurdles and their successes. ZDF reports that young people with Turkish roots, like 17-year-old Melike, who has a dream of being a singer, often struggle with the question of identity. Melike sees Turkey as a holiday destination and feels that she is not really accepted in her homeland.

Another example is Melih, a 23-year-old baker from Berlin who is proud of his roots while working in a family Turkish sweets business. His family shows how strongly Turkish traditions are anchored in Germany. We also observe the everyday lives of entrepreneurs like Selim Demirel from Bonn, who opened a supermarket three years ago and no longer wants to go back to Turkey.

Identity and integration

A central aspect of life for many in the Turkish diaspora is belonging. Elmas Topçu, a journalist of Turkish origin, addresses the challenges and opportunities that life in Germany brings with it in her work. Her experiences, gained in Germany since the 1990s, reflect the dilemma many face: striving for integration while preserving their cultural identity. Freedom+ highlights that despite more active participation in political processes, many people of Turkish origin have little political participation, mainly due to mistrust in institutions.

The mix of cultures that the “German-Turks” represent often leads to a hybrid identity that combines elements of both worlds. This identity is not static but is constantly evolving. Scholarly considerations on this topic, for example by Ertuğrul Şahin, illuminate the complex and diverse home offerings for this group of people through the lens of identity and belonging. Research results show that many are looking for a “satisfaction space” in order to create a connection to their roots and their new home.

Economic challenges and opportunities

Entrepreneurs of Turkish origin are of great importance for economic integration. Many are actively contributing to the diversification of the German economy, but face challenges such as discrimination in the labor market and the acute difficulty of having their qualifications recognized. Freedom+ proposes microcredit programs and networks to reduce these barriers and improve economic participation.

In summary, the current discussion about the Turkish community in Germany highlights the complexity of identity, integration and economic opportunities. The voices that emerge from this diverse community are a valuable asset for society as a whole and encourage reflection on the unifying elements in our multicultural world.