Turkish Life in Germany: How it started and how it’s going

Turkish Life in Germany: Origins and Current Development
Over six decades of rich and complex history spanning great migratory waves, cultural integration, and continuous challenges define the Turkish community in Germany. Two major phases define this story: the first migratory period starting in the 1960s and the modern experience of Turkish-Germans today.

Starting here: guest worker migration (1961–1973)
The path Turks in Germany started with the signing of a labor recruitment agreement between Turkey and West Germany in 1961. This arrangement let Turkish workers, mostly young men, travel as “guest workers” (Gastarbeiter), therefore addressing labor shortages in post-war Germany. Originally supposed to stay for a limited period — usually two years — these laborers were meant to return to Turkey after making money to help their families back home.

Initial Wave of Migration: About 867,000 Turkish laborers migrated to Germany between 1961 and 1973. Many of them were single males arriving with intentions of going home following a brief stay. But when the labor shortage persisted, the German government loosened rules allowing employees to remain longer and finally bring their families.

Cultural Integration: Many Turkish laborers decided to make Germany their permanent residence over years. Family reunification rules let workers bring their spouses and children by the late 1970s and early 1980s, so confirming…