(University of Oregon, 2003-06) Hilles, Robyn Lynn
On October 30, 1961 the Turkish and German governments signed an intergovernmental labor contract to solve Germany's labor shortage by recruiting Turkish Gastarbeiter. Between this date and 1990 the population of Turks living within Germany"s borders reached 2 million. Up until recently, Turks had to fight for many rights including citizenship, religious education, and recognition. Even now, at times, they are still a marginalized minority. Women, especially, face difficulties balancing a strict family life within a larger, and more permissive, Western society.
Instead of a report about women of Turkish descent living in Germany, here are translated interviews with them. Many share the common theme of trying to find a place for themselves in German society and all are amazing tales told in their own words. Following is an analysis of the methodology used in the translations.
