11. Platform (Book)

11. Peron, written by Gökhan Duman and first published in 2018, recounts the experiences of workers and their families who migrated from Anatolia to Europe following Germany’s decision in 1961 to begin accepting laborers from Türkiye.

The narrative centers on the story of İbrahim and his family, who travel to Germany in search of a better life place. İbrahim’s journey, which begins at Sirkeci Station, ends on the 11th platform in Munich, yet this physical voyage also marks the beginning of a profound inner transformation.

The book examines the harsh work conditions, language and culture barriers, discrimination within German society, and the anguish of homesickness like, exploring both the physical and psychological dimensions of migration. It delves deeply into the hardships, loneliness, longing, and familial ties experienced by the workers. The illusion of return, the emotional letter bonds formed with families left behind, and the gradual weakening of these bonds over time are central themes of the work, highlighting the devastating impact of migration on families.

Duman’s narrative incorporates testimonies from the era and firsthand accounts from workers, lending the work a documentary quality. This storytelling reveals that migration is not merely an economic event but a complex process that profoundly affects individuals’ identities, affiliation emotions, and social connections.