Germany vs Turkey: The Tumultuous Relationship Between Two Nations

The relationship between Germany and Turkey has been subject to intense scrutiny and debate in recent years. While the two nations have a long history of strategic cooperation, including a pending bid to access EU membership for Turkey, their differences have led to numerous conflicts and controversies. The tensions between the two nations have been fueled by issues such as immigration, EU politics, and cultural differences. In this article, we will examine the complex and often tumultuous relationship between Germany and Turkey, and explore the factors contributing to their differences.

Germany and Turkey have a long and complex history dating back to the 19th century, when Germany became a major power in the region. Over the years, the two nations have maintained a strategic partnership, with Germany being one of Turkey's closest allies in the EU. However, in recent years, their relationship has been marred by numerous conflicts and controversies.

One of the primary sources of tension between the two nations is the issue of migration and refugees. In 2015, more than a million refugees from Syria, Iraq and other countries passed through Turkey and into Europe, with many of them settling in Germany. The influx of refugees put a significant strain on Germany's social services and infrastructure, leading to widespread criticism of Chancellor Angela Merkel's decision to allow them into the country.

Germany's Migration Policy: A Point of Contention

Germany's liberal migration policy has been a major point of contention between the two nations. Many Germans have expressed concerns about the impact of mass migration on the country's culture and identity, and have called for stricter controls on immigration. In contrast, Turkey has accused Germany of not doing enough to address the crisis, and has criticized the German government for allegedly promising refugees safe passage to Europe in the event of a Syrian government collapse.

"We have no problem with people taking refuge in Europe, but they should be taken by the country they are headed towards, not by one country and passed to another," Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said in a statement. "Germany should be the one to take its responsibilities for the refugees."

Germany's Criticism of Turkey's Human Rights Record

Germany has also criticized Turkey's human rights record, particularly in the aftermath of a failed coup attempt in 2016. Following the attempted coup, Turkey launched a crackdown on perceived opponents, detaining hundreds of people, including opposition activists, journalists and judges. Germany condemned the crackdown, with Foreign Minister Sigmar Gabriel saying that it had "denigrated all previous hopes for the democratic development of Turkey."

The EU has also been critical of Turkey's human rights record, with the European Parliament voting to freeze accession talks with the country in 2018. However, the EU has stopped short of abandoning Turkey's bid for membership altogether, with European Commission Vice President Frans Timmermans saying that "Turkey is a candidate for membership, and we will treated it as such."

EU Politics: A Source of Tension

The EU's politics have also been a source of tension between Germany and Turkey. Germany has been a key supporter of EU sanctions against Turkey, imposed in response to the latter's drilling for gas and oil in waters claimed by Cyprus. Turkey has accused Germany of waging an economic war against it, with Erdogan accusing the EU of trying to "blackmail" Turkey into compliance.

The tensions between the two nations have also been fueled by cultural differences. Many Turks have expressed a sense of resentment towards Germany, which they perceive as having imposed its own cultural values on them. In recent years, there have been several high-profile incidents of anti- Turkish sentiment in Germany, including the burning of the Turkish flag during a pro-Kurdish rally in Hamburg.

Germany's Turkish Minority: A Sensitive Issue

The presence of a large Turkish minority in Germany has also been a source of tension between the two nations. Germany is home to one of the largest Turkish communities in the world, with estimates suggesting that up to 2.5 million people of Turkish descent live in the country. However, many Turks in Germany have expressed a sense of alienation from mainstream German society, with some accusing the government of failing to address their concerns.

"We are not just guests, we are also citizens," said Ilhan Gezalp, the leader of the Turkish Chamber of Commerce in Germany. "We want to participate in the social and economic life of Germany, and we want to do it on our own terms."

Opportunities for Cooperation

Despite the numerous conflicts and controversies that have marred their relationship, there are still opportunities for cooperation between Germany and Turkey. The two nations have a long history of collaboration on issues such as trade, energy, and security, and have been working together to combat terrorism and organized crime.

In recent years, Germany and Turkey have also cooperated on refugee policy, with Germany becoming one of the most generous European countries in terms of refugee aid. Turkey has also pledged to take back refugees who do not quality for asylum in Germany, and has increased cooperation with Germany on border security.

Conclusion: A Fraught but Important Relationship

The relationship between Germany and Turkey is a complex and often tumultuous one, marked by numerous conflicts and controversies. However, despite these challenges, there are still opportunities for cooperation between the two nations, and a strong incentive for them to work together on issues such as trade, security, and migration. As relations between the two nations continue to evolve, it is likely that tensions will remain, but also that opportunities for cooperation will emerge, leading to a stronger and more resilient partnership in the future.