65 Years Since German-Turkish Recruitment Agreement: Reflecting on Integration and Immigrant Legacies

The 65th anniversary of the 1961 German-Turkish recruitment agreement highlights a pivotal chapter in Germany's social and demographic landscape. This agreement marked the beginning of significant Turkish immigration to Germany, initially framed as temporary guest work to address labor shortages post-World War II. CDU politician Güler regards the agreement as a success story for both countries, acknowledging the contributions of the first immigrant generation, who will be honored at a commemorative event in Berlin.

Initially, German policy saw Turkish workers not as immigrants but as temporary labor expected to return home. Meanwhile, Turkey anticipated its workers would gain skills and send money back home. Contrary to a common misconception, many Turkish migrants arrived as trained professionals, not just unskilled laborers; nevertheless, their living conditions were often poor, being housed by companies in makeshift accommodations. The recruitment ended in 1973 due to the oil crisis, prompting many to return to Turkey, though a large number chose to remain in Germany, forming families and communities. As of 2025, approximately 2.6 million people with Turkish heritage live in Germany.

Generational perspectives further enrich this story. Abdurrahman Gümrükcü, a first-generation Turkish guest worker who arrived in the late 1960s, recalls the cultural challenges and stresses the importance of language in integration and social acceptance. His political engagement with the SPD underlines a commitment to social justice and multicultural solidarity. Marco Jelic, a third-generation descendant of Italian guest workers, reflects on the dual identity of children from migrant families and the journey toward wider societal acceptance across generations. Both emphasize acknowledging guest workers' vital contributions to Germany's economic and cultural development.

Despite progress, ongoing exclusion and incidents of racism, such as those linked to the National Socialist Underground (NSU), have affected attachment to Germany within the Turkish community since 2010. The anniversary provides an opportunity to celebrate achievements while recognizing the challenges and evolving identity of migrant populations in Germany.