It has been more than 50 years since ‘‘guest workers’’ from Turkey started to immigrate to Germany. They brought with them, blood, sweat and tears to Germany’s ‘’economic miracle’’. They have laid their roots and worked towards making Germany a place that they can call home. This workforce still faces the everyday struggles and challenges they encountered when they first arrived to their new home, half a century ago.

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This ‘’in progress’’ integration left many at the limbo of the least comfortable choice; between belonging and longing. While these workers contribute to German society, they continue to face the stereotyping, racism and xenophobia. An idea of a ‘’dream homeland’’ eases the daily disappointment and provides a mental and psychological shelter to those in need.

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Authentic social sanctuaries, or “protected islands” have been created, for feelings of safety, comfort and homeliness. They spend time in these isolated communities and are not very welcoming to anyone who is not their own.

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Guest workers from Turkey have distinctly fluid and multifaceted identities, which merge customs from their original home Turkey, and appropriate their ways of living in Germany.

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