Integration through identity: Alper Dogan as a model in Bergedorf

Integration through identity: Alper Dogan as a model in Bergedorf

Hamburg. Alper Dogan is a face of integration in Bergedorf. At the age of only 16 he left Turkey and found himself in Germany, where he not only experienced happiness, but also discrimination and exclusion. Nevertheless, he not only managed to integrate into his new home, but has also become an important player in integration work.

Dogan's criticism is directed against the Turkish President Erdogan and against the politicians acting in Germany. He not only stops denouncing the problems of integration, but also actively causing change. "It is dangerous if people are excluded due to origin," says Dogan. He is convinced that a positive development is only possible if both sides are ready to approach each other and to openly address the fears on both sides.

preserve a cultural heritage

A prime example of his commitment is the Bakm cultural center, founded in 2008, in Bergedorf, which he launched with like -minded people. Dogan, who was chairman until 2022, is committed to the migrants' interests. He sees his own roots and maintaining cultural identity as essential for successful integration. For example, the BAKM supports various social projects, such as the integration of orphans after earthquake in Turkey in 2023. At the same time, the center promotes the women's movement and offers refugees to find work and training.

For his commitment, Alper Dogan was recently nominated for the Bergedorf Citizens' Prize, which is endowed with 6000 euros. This award is awarded by the local newspaper in cooperation with Bergedorfer Volksbank. The award ceremony will take place in the town hall on October 16, and an independent jury will make the decision about the award winner.

But Dogan's way to integration was not always easy. After he came to Germany as a teenager, he experienced how the local authorities disadvantaged him. Despite his constant efforts to learn German and integrate himself, he has not received a work permit for years, which forced him to work illegally. This experience shaped him and motivated him to become active.

"I never thought that the work at VfL Lohbrügge would open so many doors to me. Here I found contacts that helped me find a new home," reflects Dogan and speaks of the time when he worked as a children's and youth coach in the club. This practice paved his way to friendships with German families that still exist today.

Before his integration, Dogan suffered from discrimination and exclusion. The idea of finally being accepted in the new home was a driving force for him. He therefore also demands more commitment to dealing with migrants from German society. "The exchange must take place and the concerns of everyone involved should be heard," he sums it up.

politics in focus

Dogan's critical consideration not only applies to integration policy, which he perceives as failed. He also warns the Bergedorf political actors to seek dialogue with the Turkish community. "Why are there no citizens' offices in districts with a high migrant rate? The politicians prefer to show themselves at the weekly markets instead of going to where people actually stay in their free time," he criticizes.