Thank you, Grandpa, for giving me the chance to call myself a "Hamburgerin"

Sometimes, when I stroll through the streets of Hamburg in the evening and admire the city lights, I think of my grandfather, Memet Kök. His story is also my story. Without him, I wouldn’t be here today. These lines are a thank you to him – for his strength, his courage and his big heart.

Memet Kök, born on October 1, 1938 in the Turkish village of Küçükyapalak, Elbistan.

A courageous beginning…

In 1973, my grandfather entered a new chapter in his life. Like many others, he came to Germany as a guest worker, leaving behind his home, his family and everything familiar to build a better future.
He found work in a sawmill in Kaltenkirchen, a small town in Schleswig-Holstein. Surrounded by the noisy machines and the smell of freshly cut wood, he worked tirelessly, often pushing beyond the limits of his strength. But my grandfather was more than just a worker.

He was a poet, a thinker and a dreamer. In the quiet moments of his free time, he wrote Turkish poems and put his thoughts down on paper.

The early years in Germany were very difficult. He struggled through, alone in a foreign country whose language and culture were alien to him. He lived in a small room in an accommodation for guest workers. But my grandpa was not just brave, he was determined. He had a clear plan: he wanted to bring his family to Germany and give them a better life.

After seven long years of hard work and loneliness, the time finally came. In October 1980, his daughter and youngest son – including my father – arrived in Germany. A year later, in December 1981, his beloved wife Hatice and his eldest son followed. Together they made a home for themselves, and the feeling of being strangers became one of familiarity and belonging.

Grandpa, the hero of my childhood

By the time I was born in 1994, my grandfather had long since settled into his new home. He was the center of our family – the rock in the surf. With his wisdom, his calm demeanor and his loving nature, he gave us stability and guidance.

Grandpa was a person with a deep empathy and understanding that you rarely find. He knew how to reach people’s hearts and his words often carried a wisdom that touched me deeply. I will never forget one of his pieces of advice. He often took me aside, looked at me with a serious face and said:
“Zuhal, pay attention! Germans always say: In one ear and out the other.”
He would point to his ears and a stern look turned into a slight smile.

This advice – not to take everything too much to heart – helped me, especially in difficult times. His support was boundless. When I was hospitalized due to my mental illness, he visited me, listened to me and made me feel valuable.

He was, and still is, a hero to me.

A life full of passion

After his retirement, Grandpa found a new passion: working in the garden. It made him happy when he could dig in the soil, plant seeds and grow vegetables. He regularly offered his harvest at the weekly market in Kaltenkirchen, where he not only sold his vegetables, but also made new friends. He was a very sociable person and cherished every single relationship.
One of these friendships led him to tend a friend’s garden. This place became a small oasis for our family. We used it for barbecues, laughed together and created unforgettable memories. I can still see myself walking through the garden beds as a child, my hands full of fresh cucumbers and peas, while Grandpa told stories to his nine grandchildren. With a glass of red wine in his hand, he talked about the old days, his home and life’s lessons.

These memories are some of the best of my life.

Thank you, Grandpa

Today I live in Hamburg, a city full of life and opportunities. But I know that this life would not have been possible without my grandfather. He not only laid the foundation for our family, but also showed us what it means to be courageous, disciplined and loving at the same time.

You passed away on February 20, 2021, but you live on in our memories.

I carry your spirit and your values in my heart.

Thank you, Grandpa, for never giving up.

Thank you for giving me the chance to call myself a “Hamburgerin”

With love, your granddaughter

Zuhal Kök