While Turks have been welcomed to the German Federal Republic (FRG) with the launch of the guest worker program in the 1960s, their presence seems to have developed into a contemporary issue. The...Show moreWhile Turks have been welcomed to the German Federal Republic (FRG) with the launch of the guest worker program in the 1960s, their presence seems to have developed into a contemporary issue. The purpose of this thesis is thus to examine the reasons and effects of a change in public perception regarding the migration of Turks to the FRG between the 1960s and the present day. This development will be revealed through an analysis of magazine articles from the 1960s as well as more recent ones, and the distinctive media framing of Turks within them. The change in perception of Turkish individuals in Germany will be analyzed from an interdisciplinary approach, including economic, identity, cultural and political perspectives. First, a range of migration theories will be reviewed and a short historical background will be given in order to contextualize the subject matter. Subsequently, the main factors contributing to a change in the perception of Turkish migrants in Germany will be highlighted by presenting economic, identity and culturally driven, as well as political factors. This approach is vital since all of the named factors had a considerable effect in shaping the way Turks are being viewed. As will be highlighted by the research, the perception of Turkish migrants in Germany subsists to be a particularly significant one, due to its contribution to country’s identity, culture, society and everyday life. The migration of Turks to Germany is not only a subject of much and ongoing controversy, but has also been shaping German identity, culture and discourse in a considerable way. The research will thus contribute to the already existing field through an interdisciplinary approach, revealing the connection of a range of factors in shaping the perception of Turkish migrants within Germany. This will consequently allow for a broader and more advanced insight into the overall subject matter.Show less
