Germany is often celebrated for its beer, bratwurst, and iconic castles, but there’s much more to its culture than meets the eye. In this article, I want to shine a light on German-Turkish culture—a rich blend born from decades of immigration and community-building. If you think German culture is all Bavarian lederhosen and Oktoberfest, this might change your perspective.
When I came across a video exploring the ties between Germany and Turkey, it made me realize how Germany’s identity has also been shaped by the millions of Turkish people who live there.
From the bustling döner kebab stands on street corners to the Turkish words slipping into everyday German slang, the impact is undeniable. Yet, this cultural exchange goes far beyond food and language.
The video also dives into the history of Turkish migration to Germany, starting in the 1960s with guest workers and evolving into a story of integration, identity struggles, and a community’s resilience.
It’s a story that highlights both the beauty of cultural fusion and the challenges that come with it. In this article, I’ll explore these themes and show why German-Turkish culture deserves to be celebrated as a vital part of Germany’s story.
And it raises interesting questions about what it means to be German, or any cultural identity for that matter as well as the problems that immigrants face the world over, even generations later.
Love Germany? Click here to download your free guide to ALL of Germany’s Amazing UNESCO sites. See all 52 of them!
The video below takes you on an eye-opening journey through the intertwined histories of Germany and Turkey, revealing how immigration has shaped not just two nations but countless lives.
You’ll discover how a post-war agreement in the 1960s brought waves of Turkish workers to Germany, originally as “temporary” laborers. But over time, they built lives, brought their families, and created a community that is now the largest Turkish population outside of Turkey.
The video masterfully unpacks how this migration changed German culture, from food like the now-iconic döner kebab to vibrant Turkish neighborhoods that breathe new life into cities.
As you watch, you’ll see how this cultural fusion goes far beyond the surface. It delves into the challenges of identity faced by Turkish-Germans, who often feel torn between two worlds. With candid discussions about language, citizenship, and even derogatory labels, the video tackles tough questions about belonging.
You’ll learn how these communities have thrived despite xenophobia and isolation, even contributing to Germany’s public life in politics, arts, and sports.
But this isn’t just a history lesson. It’s a story about modern Germany, about what it means to live in a multicultural society, and about the invisible ties between nations that you might not have considered.
With its blend of personal stories, cultural insights, and a look at present-day challenges, the video invites you to reflect on the complexities of migration and integration – not just in Germany, but everywhere.
Watch it to gain a deeper understanding of how shared history shapes the way we live today—and to rethink what it means to truly belong in a globalized world.
Below the video is a summary.
German-Turkish Culture: Guest Workers, Doner Kebabs And Cultural Identity by DW Euromaxx
This video explores the historical and cultural ties between Germany and Turkey, focusing on immigration, integration, and the shared aspects of their societies. Some of the points it covers:
Cultural Exchange and Food
- Germany is home to a large Turkish community, influencing the culture, especially through food like döner kebabs and Turkish pizza, which have become staples.
- The döner kebab, often attributed to a Turkish immigrant in Berlin, has grown into a billion-euro industry.
Post-War Immigration and Guest Workers
- The post-war economic boom in West Germany led to agreements with countries, including Turkey in 1961, to invite “guest workers” (Gastarbeiter).
- Initially intended as temporary, workers stayed, bringing families, though integration efforts were minimal.
Challenges of Integration
- Workers were often isolated in dormitories, and cultural separation was significant, especially for women.
- Later policies encouraged repatriation, but many Turkish immigrants stayed, and their contributions are preserved in initiatives like the Domid museum in Cologne.
Identity and Citizenship Issues
- Many Turkish-origin residents still face challenges, such as the inability to vote due to citizenship laws.
- They often encounter identity struggles, labeled “Kanakan” in Germany or “Almancı” in Turkey.
- Younger generations are reconnecting with their roots while retaining German cultural ties.
Shifts in Migration Patterns
- Since the 2000s, migration trends have reversed, with more German Turks moving back to Turkey, drawn by a sense of connection to their ancestral land.
Political and Social Tensions
- Relations between Germany and Turkey have been strained, especially after Turkey’s 2016 coup attempt and subsequent events.
- Cultural and religious tensions persist, with instances of xenophobia and violence, including attacks targeting Turkish and Kurdish communities.
Turkish Influence in Germany Today
- Turkish culture is embedded in German life, from language slang to public figures in sports, politics, and entertainment.
- A Turkish-origin cabinet minister was appointed for the first time recently.
The video emphasizes how Turkish and German cultures have intertwined over decades, but acknowledges the complex identity challenges faced by the Turkish diaspora in Germany.
It is easy to relate the stories and challenges in this video with immigrant populations the world over.
Want to learn more about German culture? Find our guide to German weddings here and German cleaning week here. You can also find all our guides to German culture here.
