In the 1960s, Germany sought to replenish its post-WWII labor force by recruiting workers from countries like Turkey, Italy, Greece, and former Yugoslav republics.

Many Turkish workers came from rural villages or were recent migrants from city outskirts. After passing health checks, they began work in coal mines and factories. Most struggled with German, and those who learned it spoke only basic, broken phrases. Over time, they brought their families, and their children........

© Eurasia Review