Integration in Germany
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60 years German-Turkish Recruitment Agreement
German-Turks take the arts by storm
Since the Labour Recruitment Agreement in 1961, Germany has become a second homeland for many people of Turkish origin. Not only have they become an important element of German society, they have also helped influence and shape the German arts scene quite considerably. By Ceyda Nurtsch
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Germany: Controversy surrounding journalist with Palestinian roots
The lost honour of Nemi El-Hassan
On 10 September, WDR, the public broadcaster in Germany's most populous western state, introduced the 28-year-old journalist Nemi El-Hassan as the new presenter of its popular and respected science programme "Quarks". Then German tabloid giant "Bild" got involved and everything changed. A commentary by Stefan Buchen
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More German MPs with a migrant background
Germany's 2021 election – the diverse lawmakers making history
At 735 members, Germany's newly elected Bundestag is the largest it has ever been. But it is also becoming more diverse. More members of parliament come from ethnic minorities. It's a historic opportunity. By Lisa Hanel
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Germany's general election
Not enough migrants in German politics
One in four people in Germany has a migration background, but less than 8% of the members of parliament have foreign roots. Germany is out of touch with reality, says Maissun Melhem
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General election in Germany
How will Germany's immigrants vote?
Germany’s electorate includes some 7.4 million citizens with international roots, while many more millions of residents from abroad aren’t allowed to vote. Both groups are often overlooked by political parties. Kay-Alexander Scholz reports
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Migration policy
Europe's migrants are part of the solution
Migrants are often maligned as being responsible for Europe's problems. Yet their integration is in Europe's interest. Michael Thaidigsmann believes that a long-term vision is overdue
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Book review: Shida Bazyar's novel "Drei Kameradinnen"
Words like fire
Shida Bazyar's new novel is the literary surprise of the year. It tackles the pressing issues of our time, and yet it is timeless. This is a story of friendship, marginalisation and society's blindness to its own deep-seated problems. Gerrit Wustmann read the book for Qantara.de
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ECJ headscarf ruling problematic for Germany
When it comes to headscarves, commerce trumps God
The European Court of Justice has given its backing to companies that don't allow female Muslim staff members to wear headscarves – as long as they don't permit the wearing of even small crosses and other religious symbols either. This is a problem for Germany in particular. By Wolfgang Janisch
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The image of Muslim women
“We refuse to be hijab-wearing princesses”
Among Muslims, the image of women as "cossetted hijab-wearing princesses" is frequently invoked. But Muslim women have long wanted to be more. In her essay, Karoline Roscher-Lagzouli explores how they can find a new approach to their Muslim femininity, beyond patriarchal ideals and the hackneyed Western debate on headscarves
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Turkish graduates in Europe
Turkey's best and brightest flee in brain drain
As Recep Tayyip Erdogan continues his crackdown on dissent, increasing numbers of Turkish graduates and young professionals are seeking new lives and better prospects abroad. Germany is their No.1 destination. By Sinem Ozdemir and Daniel Derya Bellut
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Spotlight on bridge-builders: Rafik Schami
The story-teller from Damascus
Syrian-born Rafik Schami is a gifted storyteller and one of the most successful authors writing in German today. In his 50 years in exile in Germany, he has introduced the Arab art of storytelling to German literature and has been showered with prizes. But Schami is more than just a storyteller, he is also an outspoken critic of politicians and governments both in Europe and the Middle East. By Ceyda Nurtsch
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Muslims in Europe: Integrated or not?
The Muslim population in Western Europe has been growing since the 1960s. In most countries, Muslims now make up more than five percent of the total population. Despite social tensions, integration is making clear progress. By Aasim Saleem