Visits by the Turkish President were never easy – neither for politicians nor for the German-Turks in Germany. Everyone has an opinion – not everyone dares to express it.
Criticism of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s state visit is loud. And it is mostly German. How can the Federal Chancellor, how can the Federal President meet with the Islamist, the human rights violator, the Israel hater? He has to be unloaded, at the latest after his statements about Hamas’ attack on Israel, which is heard and read from all sides.
On the other hand, you hardly hear anything about the Turkish nationals living here. That’s not new. Because the Turkish community is deeply divided. In the parliamentary elections, Erdogan won 67 percent of the “German” votes. But the majority of eligible voters living here still do not see him as their president.
1.5 of the three million people of Turkish origin in this country are allowed to vote, half of them have done so. And some people regret that today because the promises have not yet been kept. “All election gifts have long since been collected, the increase in prices affects everyone, including his supporters,” says Professor Hacı-Halil Uslucan from the Center for Turkish Studies.
Some of those who defend Erdogan here or enthusiastically praise him do not do so out of enthusiasm for the Turkish president. “The community knows that the Germans are critical. If we don’t belong to Germany, then we want to feel like we belong to Turkey.”
Yes, no, whatever.
In a survey in Berlin, some people were extremely annoyed by the question. Other heads of state would also be welcomed, says a man in a shop. Only with “their president” would there be drama every time. That’s exactly why he thinks Erdogan is great. But he actually rarely talks about politics because his customers already have different opinions. The dispute would be programmed and not good for business.
Overall, it’s difficult to start a conversation. Most people wave it off straight away. And those who say something don’t say much. It’s better not to talk, says a kebab seller. “I don’t think much of Erdogan in general. So it doesn’t matter whether he’s there or not,” says a young woman in Berlin-Gesundbrunnen.
“He only comes because of money or because of the elections,” says an older man. And he says something else: He doesn’t even know what he is now: “Turk? Berliner? Turkish Berliner? Berlin Turk?” He was born in Turkey. His home is here. His problems: rent, electricity prices, heating costs – the very things that concern everyone who lives here. The Turks cannot influence it here. And neither does “their” Turkish president, regardless of whether he is here or 2,000 kilometers away.
And his opponents? They certainly don’t say anything. Not after the last election, because the fear is that there will otherwise be no place for them in Turkey for years to come. It seems too dangerous, the enemy is overpowering.
To Erdogan? Not a word.
The Berlin state politicians are also silent. Only one of 22 people asked agreed to an interview. Hakan Taş Until two years ago, he sat in the House of Representatives for the Left Party. He understands the concerns of his colleagues. Many fear that they will not be able to travel to Turkey without difficulty, that they will even be arrested or that they are afraid of family members there, he says.
Taş has positioned itself. Long time. So far his visits to Turkey have always gone well. He is an Alevi Kurd and he strongly condemns the visit – not just since the current statements about Hamas. “It is strange that the state visit is taking place, especially since Erdogan supports Hamas.”
Between the chairs?
The Turkish community in Germany is also not happy with the President’s statements and has itself condemned the terrorist attack. However, given the situation in the world and German-Turkish relations, it is better to continue talking. A diplomatic answer. The impression remains that many feel caught between all chairs.
The friendly match between the German and Turkish national teams on Saturday is much less complicated. And everyone says openly who their heart beats for.