Escape from persecution: Family from Türkiye finds a new way of life in Emmingen

Escape from persecution: Family from Türkiye finds a new way of life in Emmingen

The Balkanlioglu family, who emigrated to Germany in 2022, has found a new home in picturesque Emmingen-Liptingen. Celebi Mehmet Balkanlioglu, 19 years old, and his brother Ahmet, who is four years younger, fled with their parents from political persecution in Turkey. The circumstances of their escape are depressing: After the failed coup attempt on July 15, 2016, their family was socially stigmatized, their jobs lost and they themselves were persecuted as terrorists. The Schwäbische reports that they were able to get from their homeland via a smuggler, first to Greece and then on to Italy, and finally to Germany.

The Balkanlioglus belong to the Hizmet movement, also known as the Gülen movement, which promotes education and tolerance. However, this movement, which has millions of members worldwide, is classified as hostile in Turkey and is equated with a terrorist network. Around 150,000 followers of the movement are active in Germany, where, among other things, tutoring schools are run. The image of the movement in German society has increasingly changed as reports of possible infiltrations and lack of transparency have emerged. The Gülen movement, led by Fethullah Gülen, is experiencing a sad renaissance in the diaspora in the context of arrests and discrimination in Turkey. As the [Wikipedia](https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/G%C3%BClen movement) documents, the values ​​the movement espouses contrast with accusations that it is cult-like.

The new life in Germany

The Balkanlioglu family has now settled in well in Emmingen-Liptingen. Since their arrival in Munich in August 2022, where they received support from friends in filling out their asylum applications, they have received a residence permit for three years. Father Ramazan has found a job as a teacher while Ahmet is in eighth grade. What is particularly noteworthy is that Mehmet learned the German language with outstanding success and is now planning to study IT security at Furtwangen University. His high school diploma shows that he has paved his way with commitment and hard work.

However, the situation for many asylum seekers from Turkey is not straightforward. According to Tagesschau, the number of asylum applications from Turkey has increased significantly over the past two years. With 16.9% of initial applications, Turkey was behind Syria, where the situation of refugees is often even more catastrophic. Mainly Kurdish Turks, the majority of whom are politically persecuted, rarely receive asylum. The BAMF has rejected numerous applications. Things have changed for the better for the Balkanlioglus, but the shadow of their past remains ever present.

Hopes and challenges

The story of Celebi Mehmet and his family paints a picture of hope and challenges. With their new residence permit, a new life seems to be on the horizon, but the experience of flight and the prejudices they might encounter are challenges that they must overcome. Exchanging ideas with members of the movement in Germany and building a social network can help them put down roots. This shows that, despite all the adversities, the integration of refugee families in Germany is successful and their contribution to society is valuable. A step in the right direction, as the Balkanlioglus' success story impressively demonstrates.