Thank you Germany: Part 090: The kebab is also part of German culture today

Germany is not just about Islam - as a former German president once put it. The kebab also belongs to Germany. In fact, it is an important contribution of the Turkish guest workers who helped to create the economic wealth of the Federal Republic in the post-war period. It brings Turkish cuisine to Germany. And yet Turkish cuisine is not simply exported. It was developed specifically for the German market. In Turkey, people rarely eat kebabs as they do in Germany. Or it was only discovered later.

The dish was developed by Turks specifically for the taste of Germans. It was also developed specifically for eating during a short break. Accordingly, the kebab is not a traditional Turkish meat dish. It is a German-Turkish snack. This makes the kebab a first-class intercultural product. Today it is available in almost every German city. There are hardly any Germans who have not tried a kebab at least once in their lives. Just as people love pizza from Italy, they also like kebabs from Turkey. Many snack stands today offer more than just a cheap snack. The products at some stalls offer a high-quality culinary delight. In addition to crispy grilled meat, fresh mint and all kinds of spices are often added to the kebab.

Many vendors also serve the kebab in a fresh flatbread from the wood-fired oven. This makes for a delicious snack that is not only appreciated by Turkish families. The kebab has been well received in Germany. It is one of the most popular snack dishes. Many Germans regularly buy a kebab. Vendors are experiencing strong sales. Today, suppliers also offer the right products for vegetarian requests. With sheep's cheese or falafel, the kebab is a real treat for many Germans. They love the dish and can hardly do without buying the delicious offerings. Turkish culture has thus arrived in Germany among broad sections of the population. Germany is a multicultural society.

The culture of families of Turkish origin also has its place in this society. This is what makes the country so strong. Anyone who accepts the Basic Law as a common foundation and fits into the country's community of solidarity is accepted and belongs to it. The constitution and the community of solidarity are the cornerstones of common cohesion and not a person's origin or skin colour. This makes the country's culture so much more vibrant. And it also means that the cuisine in Germany has much more to offer than in some other countries. Liberal democracy is the system in which the food also tastes better. This is an important advantage that Germany can be proud of. This advantage enhances the quality of life for all inhabitants of Germany. From pizza and pasta to kebabs, veal kebabs and French croissants, everyone can indulge in culinary delights.

Many people live in Germany precisely for this reason and they love Germany for it. It may be an almost banal reason. And yet the advantage is obvious.