German President Honors Turkish Immigrants on State Visit, Accompanied by Berlin Kebab Shop Owner

German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier is on a state visit to Turkey, accompanied by Arif Keles, the owner of a popular Berlin doner kebab shop. Keles, whose grandfather opened one of the first kebab shops in Germany in 1986 after immigrating from Turkey, is serving as a symbol of the successful integration of millions of people of Turkish origin in Germany.

President Steinmeier is using this trip to honor the significant contributions of the Turkish immigrant community, which he sees as an integral part of German society. As a gesture of appreciation, Steinmeier invited Keles to join him on the visit and serve his famous Berlin-style kebab at the state reception in Istanbul.

The president's official contacts with the Turkish government under President Recep Tayyip Erdogan have been limited. Instead, Steinmeier is focusing on meeting with representatives of civil society and the opposition during his time in Turkey. This approach sends a message that despite the differences between the German and Turkish governments, the two countries share a close friendship rooted in the shared history and culture of their people.

Why this matters: Steinmeier's state visit to Turkey, accompanied by a symbol of successful Turkish integration in Germany, highlights the importance of immigrant communities and their contributions to society. It also underscores the complex diplomatic relationship between Germany and Turkey, balancing government tensions with the strong cultural ties between the two nations.

Speaking about the significance of Keles joining him on the trip, Steinmeier stated, "Arif Keles and his family's story embodies the successful integration of Turkish immigrants who have enriched Germany in countless ways. By sharing his Berlin kebab with our Turkish friends, we celebrate the fusion of our cultures and the unbreakable bond between our communities." The state visit aims to strengthen the cultural and societal connections between Germany and Turkey, even as the two governments navigate a challenging political landscape.

Key Takeaways

• German President visits Turkey with Turkish-German kebab shop owner
• Kebab owner symbolizes successful integration of Turkish immigrants in Germany
• President focuses on civil society, not government, to highlight cultural ties
• Visit aims to strengthen cultural and societal connections between Germany and Turkey
• Highlights complex diplomatic relationship between the two countries