Political Aspirations, Participations and Influence of Turkish Muslims in Germany

Abstract: Germany invited large number of guest workers from Turkey to revitalize its economy after WWII. Following decades of development, the Muslim population has become the largest minority group in Germany making up 5% of today’s German population. The main Muslim political aspiration is to be able to retain Turkish nationality but also access to German citizenship, and to promote the diversified development of German society to recognize their Muslim identity as well. In order to achieve their own political aspirations, they participate in German politics through German political parties, civil society groups and mass media. Their activities not only have great influence on both domestic politics and diplomatic relations, but also in improving their living conditions in Germany. However, the law in both countries will keep them from receiving German citizenship, let alone the dual nationality. Because of the inherent contradiction between Islam and Christianism, Germany has not yet become a truly pluralistic society.