Why did the Turkish people migrate to Europe?

The Turkish migration to Europe had various reasons behind it, which changed over time. One of the main reasons for Turkish migration to Europe was the search for employment opportunities and a better standard of living. Turkish people migrated to Europe, especially to Germany, in the 1960s and 1970s as guest workers to fulfill the labor demand in the country. This resulted from the German-Turkish recruitment agreement signed in 1961. These guest workers were initially intended to stay temporarily, but many of them stayed in the country permanently, creating Turkish communities across Europe.

Another reason for Turkish migration to Europe was political instability and violence in Turkey. In the 1970s and 1980s, Turkey experienced political violence and economic instability, leading many people to flee to Europe as refugees seeking asylum. Many Turkish intellectuals, students, and professionals also migrated to Europe during this period to escape persecution and censorship by the government.

Additionally, family reunification played a significant role in Turkish migration to Europe. Many Turkish immigrants brought their families to join them in Europe, leading to the growth of the Turkish population in Europe.