"A 60-Year Success Story: Germany, a Second Homeland" Panel Held

The panel "A 60-Year Success Story: Germany, a Second Homeland" was organized in Berlin, the capital of Germany, to mark the 60th anniversary of labor migration from Türkiye to Germany, in collaboration with the Consulate General of the Republic of Türkiye in Berlin, Berlin International University of Applied Sciences and Bahçeşehir University (BAU).

Hosted by the Consulate General of the Republic of Türkiye in Berlin, the panel was attended by BAU Global Chair Enver Yücel, BAU President Prof. Dr. Şirin Karadeniz, BAU Faculty of Economics, Administrative and Social Sciences faculty member Prof. Dr. Yılmaz Esmer, Founding Director of the BAU Center for Migration and Urban Studies Prof. Dr. Ulaş Sunata, former Green Party member of parliament Özcan Mutlu, Dr. Barış Ülker from Berlin International University of Applied Sciences, Dr. Emine Neşe Yüksel and many Turkish citizens living in Germany.

Delivering the opening remarks, Consul General of the Republic of Türkiye in Berlin Rıfkı Olgun Yücekök stated that citizens of Turkish origin had made significant contributions to both Germany and Türkiye throughout this 60-year journey, while Bahçeşehir University Global Chair Enver Yücel drew attention to major achievements in science, art, politics and many other fields, saying, "Yesterday we were here with our physical strength; today we are here with our brainpower."

The event, which began with opening speeches, continued with a panel moderated by Prof. Dr. Yılmaz Esmer. With talks by Prof. Dr. Ulaş Sunata, Dr. Barış Ülker, Dr. Emine Yüksel and Özcan Mutlu, the history of migration and its social, economic and cultural impacts were discussed.

Prof. Dr. Ulaş Sunata highlighted the social, political and economic context and the history of labor migration from Türkiye to Germany on its 60th anniversary. Dr. Barış Ülker addressed the impact of migrants on the city of Berlin in particular.

Former Green Party member of parliament Özcan Mutlu emphasized the political participation of migrants and the importance of voters of Turkish origin. Gynecologist Dr. Emine Yüksel highlighted issues regarding access to healthcare, especially for migrant women.