Erkan Aykan proudly shares his connection to Ilkay Gundogan, the captain of Germany’s soccer team, as they both hail from the same city in the Ruhr valley. His brother, Talha, one-ups him by mentioning they were classmates and played soccer together. The brothers’ loyalty to Gundogan is evident, but their hearts belong to Turkey, the country of their heritage.
The Turkish community in Germany, with over seven million people, is the largest minority group in the country. Many Turkish Germans, like the Aykan brothers, feel a strong sense of pride in their heritage and support Turkey in international competitions.
The Turkish influence in Germany is widespread, with neighborhoods, businesses, and cultural aspects reflecting their heritage. When Turkey played in the European Championship, the stadium felt like a home game due to the overwhelming support from the Turkish community.
Hamit Altintop, a former player and now technical director of the Turkish soccer federation, describes the Turkish Germans as “co-hosts” of the tournament, highlighting the dual identity many in the community feel.
The legacy of Turkish guest workers who settled in Germany after World War II continues to shape the Turkish community, with generations now deeply rooted in the country. Despite being born and raised in Germany, the Aykan brothers and many others maintain a strong connection to their Turkish roots.
The blend of German and Turkish culture is evident in daily life for many Turkish Germans, from the food they eat to the businesses they frequent. This cultural fusion adds richness and diversity to Germany’s social fabric.
As the European Championship unfolds, the support for Turkey from the Turkish community in Germany remains unwavering, showcasing the deep pride and connection they feel to their ancestral homeland.
2024-06-23 15:02:30
Link from www.nytimes.com