Thursday, June 26, 2008

Blood sways German-born Turks as soccer strains national loyalties

Kayhan Abay attended a German school, drives a German car, and runs a business in the German capital of Berlin, where he has lived all his life. When it comes to soccer, he roots for Turkey. "It's all about heart, blood and passion," Abay, 28, said over a glass of tea in the Internet cafe he co-owns in Kreuzberg, a predominantly Turkish neighborhood. "I'm preparing myself for defeat though, which is kind of symbolic of Turkish life over here." Germany plays Turkey in the first semifinal of the European Championships, the continent's most prestigious soccer tournament. With as many as 3 million ethnic Turks living in Germany, or about 4% of the population, fans' divided loyalties are deepening the divisions in German society.

Hat tip, James Fulford!

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