Germany has become a highly attractive destination for Turkish individuals seeking to relocate for life, work, or study, as evidenced by the substantial increase in Turkish citizens obtaining German passports. In 2024, a remarkable 110% leap from the previous year was recorded, with 22,525 Turkish nationals acquiring German passports. This surge positions Turkey as the second-highest source of German passport recipients, trailing only Syria.
One beneficiary of this trend is Alaz Sumer, who moved to Germany approximately eight years ago to pursue his master’s degree. Now a lawyer in Berlin and a doctoral candidate in constitutional law, Sumer emphasizes the practicality of gaining citizenship to sidestep the often burdensome bureaucracy associated with foreign residency, such as the cumbersome process of obtaining a residence permit.
Burak Keceli, an IT specialist and graduate of Istanbul’s prestigious Bogazici University, also sought opportunities in Germany, initially driven by career goals. He has since integrated into Berlin’s society and expresses his desire for political participation and the facilitated international travel afforded by a German passport. The global passport index underscores the appeal, ranking countries by visa-free travel destinations; Germany’s passport stands fifth globally, surpassing Turkey’s offering of visa-free access to 75 nations compared to Germany’s 131.
These developments are partly bolstered by Germany’s June 2024 reforms to its citizenship laws, which encourage dual citizenship and ease residency requirements. Despite these changes, many Turkish immigrants in Germany maintain strong ties to their homeland, often not fully integrating or identifying as German. Though dissatisfaction with Turkey’s political regime and economic instability have driven the emigration, manyTurks in Germany regard Turkey as their enduring ‘home.’ This complex emotional landscape reveals that while a German passport provides numerous benefits, it does not immediately confer a sense of belonging. An embedded video in the piece provides further perspectives on the nuanced subject of German citizenship. This piece reflects the intricate relationship and choices made by Turkish citizens in search of better opportunities, while still carrying a deep emotional connection to their country of origin.
Source: https://www.dw.com/en/germany-why-are-so-many-turks-applying-for-citizenship/a-72966351?maca=en-rss-en-all-1573-rdf
