A Turkish-German Perspective on Migration, Islam, and Germany

As of 2024, Germany counts roughly 3 million people with Turkish background—the largest single origin group by migration background—and about 1.22 million people with Syrian background. In Berlin, kebab shops, Turkish grocers, and Arab-run businesses shape everyday street life, especially in Neukölln and Kreuzberg. Their visibility has fueled anxieties in some circles—including parts of the Chinese community—that Muslim-background migrants don’t integrate, drive crime, strain the welfare state, and damage Germany’s image. In this episode, we set those claims beside lived reality: a Turkish-German citizen joins us to share his experience growing up in Germany, and to discuss immigration and integration, the welfare state, and contemporary German politics.For video, please visit https://youtu.be/ZpQ8yHtw26M This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit hybridtalk.substack.com