Date of Award

6-2009

Document Type

Union College Only

Degree Name

Bachelor of Arts

Department

Political Science

First Advisor

Guillermina Seri

Language

English

Keywords

german, germany, relations, turkish, turks

Abstract

As Germany settles into the 21st century, what relationships do and will the Turkish minority have to the future of Germany? Will Germany recognize a German-Turkish identity as legitimate? Does heightened political access to citizenship guarantee equality and peace? These questions define the subject of this thesis. This study seeks to understand the present position of the Turk in German society, thereby illuminating the possibilities in direction that German- Turkish relations may take. By analyzing the origins of national identity, post-World War II immigration trends and the way in which the German government has dealt with and deals with minority populations, and by further analyzing the controversial film Wut, which exposes German-Turk relations, and reactions to the film in the news media through independent primary translations from German to English, this thesis seeks to understand current circumstances, relations and perspectives among Germans and Turks. This leads to the ultimate inquiry: can Turks be successfully integrated? And, if so, what is the best method of integration: assimilation, multiculturalism or some combination best suited to the German condition? All things considered, the research here ultimately suggests that there may be a place for Turks in German society, one that is inclusive and respectful. The new-found willingness to naturalize ethnic minorities and the dialogue that exists in cinema and in response to such cinema, indicate that a multicultural Germany is possible, and even desired.

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