Nürnberg

Fieldwork in the Nürnberg metropolitan region involved meeting Turkish aunts (teyzeler) and uncles (amcalar) in various places where they spend time, such as mosques, cultural centers, neighborhood centers, Turkish restaurants, and care centers. Everywhere we went, we were greeted with warmth and hospitality. Sometimes we connected through delicious Turkish food, sharing the same cultural background, or the common experience of being migrants, even though our migration stories differ from theirs.

As they recounted their stories of coming to Germany, some got emotional while recalling the past. They mentioned years spent in one-room dorms upon arriving in Germany and how they built a life here for themselves and their children through hard work. As a researcher, witnessing these personal journeys deeply resonated with me, emphasizing the significant human experiences that transcend borders and cultures.

Now, as they age, many spend part of the year in Turkey, where most own a house, and return to Germany to be with their children, grandchildren, and friends. Many of them face health issues, which some see as a natural part of the aging process or a result of years of hard physical work. The significance of accessible public transportation emerged as a crucial theme in the metropolitan city, offering them the freedom to navigate the urban landscape effortlessly. This is especially vital when weather conditions or physical restrictions make walking difficult. With reliable transportation options, they can easily reach where they socialize and carry out their daily activities, ensuring their connections and routines remain uninterrupted.

Another theme that emerged during our conversations was about their living conditions. Most of them live in apartments, requiring them to climb many stairs to reach their homes. As they age, these stairs become increasingly challenging, making it difficult to carry groceries or even just to get home. Additionally, the burden of paying high rents with limited income adds to their struggles. Despite these challenges, the majority feel at home in their apartments. Whether it's having a partner, spending time with their children and grandchildren, or simply having a place where they feel free and comfortable, these elements make their apartments feel like home.

As a young researcher, my field experience was often a blend of emotions—sometimes touching, sometimes exciting, and always enriching. Listening to people’s stories, visiting the places they spend their time, and seeing where they find comfort and community connections made the fieldwork experience very insightful for me.