Germany and Turkey mark 65 years of labor recruitment agreement

The 65th anniversary of the 1961 recruitment agreement between Germany and Turkey is being marked by various organizations and individuals reflecting on the legacy of Turkish migration. Originally designed to address labor shortages in German industry, mining, and agriculture, the agreement facilitated the arrival of approximately 867,000 contract workers before the recruitment stop in 1973.

In North Rhine-Westphalia, statistics show that as of late 2025, nearly 483,000 people with Turkish citizenship resided in the state, accounting for 14.8% of the non-German population. The demographic data also highlights social integration through marriage patterns and birth rates.

Commemorative events and personal accounts have highlighted both the contributions and the struggles of the migrant community. While leaders from organizations like the IGMG credit the first generation with laying the foundation for Muslim life in Germany, others, such as the DİDF, emphasize the ongoing fight against racism, discrimination, and social inequality. Personal stories, including those from footballer İlkay Gündoğan and politician Cem Özdemir, underscore the profound impact of this migration on subsequent generations and the complex transition from being viewed as temporary workers to becoming an integral part of German society.