A new photography exhibition at Hamburg's Museum of Arts and Crafts is highlighting the stories of immigrant workers who came to Germany decades ago. The exhibition, titled "We Used to Be Called Guest Workers," features approximately 80 photographs documenting the lives and experiences of people who arrived in Germany during a significant period of labor migration.
The exhibition focuses specifically on workers from Turkey and Greece who immigrated to Germany during the 1960s and 1970s. These individuals were actively recruited by the German government as part of an official labor program designed to address workforce shortages in the country's growing economy. Originally, these workers were intended to stay in Germany temporarily to fill essential jobs before returning to their home countries.
The Museum of Arts and Crafts in Hamburg has curated this collection to provide visitors with a comprehensive visual narrative of this important chapter in German immigration history. The 80 photographs capture various aspects of these workers' lives, offering insight into their daily experiences, working conditions, and the communities they built during their time in Germany.
This exhibition serves as both a historical documentation and a tribute to the contributions these immigrant workers made to German society. Many of the so-called "guest workers" ultimately chose to remain in Germany permanently, establishing families and communities that continue to be an integral part of the country's cultural landscape today.
