Muslim Assimilation into Germany

Muslims have been living in Germany for over 300 years. After World War II Germany experienced a large wave of Muslim immigrants flowing into the country as guest-workers. The Muslim population is currently estimated at 3 million of Germany's total population of 82 million. Out of this 3 million Muslim population, two-thirds are of Turkish origin and one third of them are under the age of 18. Additionally, the birthrate of the immigrant Muslim population is three times the German average, and by 2020, experts say, the native German population will decline by more than 4% while the Muslim population is forecasted to double. This growing Muslim population is of considerable concern to the Germans. Currently, there is an energetic debate in Germany concerning public policy goals. One argument is for the German government to pursue policies that encourage Muslims to assimilate themselves to the values of Western society, even when that means abandoning some particular features of their religious identity. The other argument is for the government to encourage and celebrate religious diversity.1 As a result of the 1991 and 1992 anti-asylum riots in the German cities of Rostock, Hoyerswerda, and Mannheim, Germany has been forced to address their immigration policies. Arguably, these riots fed the German's fear of the Muslim population and thus caused Muslim alienation. In November 1992, Muslims themselves were victimized in a firebombing in Molln, Germany, which killed two Turkish girls and a Turkish grandmother.2 Subsequently in 2002, after the events of 9/11, non-government organizations in Germany have understandably reported a rise in Islamophobia. Consequently, Muslim organizations report efforts to integrate into German society are often met with resistance.