International Migration Turks migrating to Germany Standard Grade Geography International Issues

Introduction Turkey is a developing country on the Mediterranean Sea and the people there have, for many years, migrated to other countries to try and improve their standard of living.

Turkey Location Map

Migration Since 1945, most have migrated to the richer countries of Europe and especially to Germany. This migration movement continued until 1973 when foreign workers were banned from entering Germany.

Problems in Turkey Very difficult climate – hot dusty summers; bitterly cold winters. Earthquakes common in this area Steep slopes and soil erosion makes farming difficult Mechanization causing unemployment in farming areas

The attraction of Germany (1) World War Two left Germany with few people of working age. Many parts of the country were also in ruins and much re-building work had to be done.

The attraction of Germany (2) Because Germany was short of workers it tried to attract people from Turkey by setting up recruitment offices there. Turkish people were attracted by the opportunity of jobs which by, Turkish standards, were well paid.

Standards of living in Turkey and Germany in 1960 Income per person % working in manufacturing Cars per 1000 people Infant mortality Natural increase Turkey (1960) £134 per year % Germany (1960) £891 per year %

Effects on Turkey People left the countryside, there was less pressure on the land and farms became bigger and more profitable. Because it was mostly young people who left, fewer children were born so the pressure on the land was reduced even more. Unemployment was reduced in cities as people emigrated. Migrants sent money back to their families (as much as 1 million pounds a year). When they returned they brought new ideas and skills with them. Positive

Effects on Turkey Many Turks were also worried that they would not be able to defend the eastern border. There were mostly old people left who were unable to improve the living conditions – especially in the countryside Many families were broken up, as it was the male who left to work. Lost its most able educated young adults Negative

The effects of Germany (1) Germany welcomed Turks in the 1950’s and 1960’s because they were willing to do low paid, dirty, unskilled jobs. Some immigrants also brought valuable new skills and they worked long hours in poor conditions.

The effects of Germany (2) During the 1970’s and 1980’s, there were fewer jobs available as companies were hit by the recession and 20 % of Turks became unemployed. Some Germans resented those Turks who still had jobs and racial tension and conflict increased.

Reasons for returning to Turkey Some Turks returned home as soon as they had made some money. Many, however, found the cost of living so high in Germany that did not make as much money as they had hoped and so stayed in Germany In 1980 Germany offered Turks grants to return home (up to £2500), but very few have taken up the offer.

Your Turn Read page 61 –63 in text book. Answer questions either F, G or C questions on page 59, 60 or 64. Read the extension text on page 64 and answer the questions that follow.