German Turkish relations – These two countries have a complicated but intertwined history. Let’s look at what has brought these two nations closer.
Also, let’s go over the factors that have driven them apart. Though the two countries are geographically distant, their relationship has been continually shaped by political, economic, and cultural ties dating back centuries.
The Ottoman Empire and Prussia
Germany and Turkey have been closely linked since the Ottoman Empire began trading with Prussia (which would eventually become part of modern-day Germany) in 1683. This partnership was nurtured by shared cultural values such as discipline and respect for authority, and it allowed both countries to benefit economically from trade.
The Ottoman Empire also supported Prussia during the Napoleonic Wars of 1803-1815, providing military aid in exchange for Prussian support for its territorial expansion in eastern Europe.
The First World War & Interwar Period
Though their relationship had been largely peaceful up to this point, tensions began to flare up between Germany and Turkey during WWI due to their conflicting interests in the Middle East. After the war ended, Turkey adopted a more independent stance on foreign affairs, while Germany remained under Allied control until 1923.
This period saw an influx of Muslim refugees from the former Ottoman Empire into Germany, which helped contribute to an increasingly multicultural population within German cities such as Berlin.
Post-WWII Relationships & Migration Flows
After WWII, both countries took steps towards reconciliation by signing the Treaty of Ankara in 1952, officially ending their conflict. This treaty also opened up further economic opportunities between the two nations; for example, Germany invested heavily in Turkish infrastructure projects throughout the 1950s-1970s, which helped spur Turkish economic growth during this period.
In addition to increased investment flows, there were also large numbers of Turkish citizens moving to West Germany from both rural areas within Turkey as well as other parts of Europe seeking work opportunities; this migration flows would continue steadily throughout the 20th century until they were finally regulated by German immigration law in 2005.
Turkish refugees in Germany
December’s development in German-Turkish relations has recently been a major point of discussion as the number of Turkish refugees in Germany continues to increase.
It remains uncertain as to why so many Turks are making a move to Germany, but as a development partner with Turkey, the German government is doing what it can to facilitate the transition for these individuals and families effectively.
Germans have welcomed their Turkish counterparts with open arms, creating a more diverse and vibrant population that few could deny enriches their society.
Political German Turkish relations nowadays
Amid the development of Germany and Turkey’s diplomatic relations in December 2022, the two partner countries are looking to strengthen economic ties that benefit both countries and grow political understanding between them.
Led by constructive engagements between German chancellor Angela Merkel and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, Turkish-German relations have risen to unprecedented heights, with both nations furthering collaboration within areas such as trade, defense, education, and development projects.
Though there is still plenty of work to be done to bridge existing political divisions, there is no doubt that 2022 marks a new stage in the development of both countries’ long-term cooperation.
Conclusion
Germany and Turkey have had a complex relationship for centuries that has seen moments of great cooperation alongside periods of tension and distrust. Though WWI put a strain on their relationship at first, both countries took steps towards reconciliation afterward by signing treaties like the Treaty of Ankara in 1952, which opened up economic opportunities between them once again.
Today’s relationship is largely defined by migration flows from Turkey into Germany—a trend that has only grown stronger since 2005, when German immigration laws were enacted—and joint investments in infrastructure projects that aim to benefit both sides economically over time.
All things considered, it is clear that despite their differences, these two nations remain connected through shared history and common interests that will likely drive them even closer together in years to come.
