63 Years of Turkish Migration: How Millions Made Germany Their Home

This year marks the 63rd anniversary of the German-Turkish Recruitment Agreement, signed on October 30, 1961. What began as a labor migration program has shaped Germany’s society, with over three million people of Turkish descent now living in the country.

The Beginning: Guest Workers for a Booming Economy

After World War II, Germany faced a labor shortage due to its rapid economic growth, known as the Wirtschaftswunder (economic miracle). To fill the gaps, the government signed labor agreements with several countries, including Italy (1955), Spain (1960), Greece (1960), and Turkey (1961).

By the late 1960s and early 1970s, hundreds of thousands of Turkish “Gastarbeiter” (guest workers) arrived, taking jobs in factories, mines, and construction. Many planned to return home, but as Germany’s need for workers grew, they stayed longer than expected.

From Temporary Workers to Permanent Residents

In 1973, the German government imposed a recruitment stop due to the oil crisis, limiting new labor migration. However, many Turks decided to bring their families instead of returning to Turkey. This led to a shift from temporary labor migration to permanent settlement.

During the 1980s and 1990s, Turkish communities expanded, opening businesses, mosques, and cultural centers. The issue of dual citizenship and integration became a major political topic.