They left the poverty of Anatolia for Germany's economic miracle. The first Turkish guest workers were recruited half a century ago. Quite a few have now returned to Turkey.
In 1961, the Agreement on the Recruitment of Turkish Workers offered many Turks the opportunity to escape the poverty of their homeland. Today, Turkey is a self-confident nation with a booming economy. More Turks now leave Germany than come here. With their savings and German pensions, those who go home after decades working in Germany usually enjoy a good standard of living. Some talked to us about their time here.