Kermis

by Holger Grosz

I live in Germany’s largest metropolitan region, the Ruhr Metropolitan Region. It’s a melting pot not only for ore and coke, but for cultures, as well. Politics called them guest workers, some called them foreigners, today ‘migrants’ is the word of choice. But why not ‘neighbours!’? Because migrants, translated properly, means being on the moving while neighbours are sedentary. The unknown frightens us. But as soon as we get to know it, it becomes familiar. Neighbours, observed with the camera, acquainted with personally and friends made at a kermis ¬– where Turkish family and club life comes to life. Where women cook, men do barbecue and children play. Does a Christian community fair does look any different?

The fume, infused with the scent of roast, creates a thick atmosphere and attracts the first visitors. By Holger Grosz
Busy business at the barbecue. Good food ensures well-being. Food is communication. Food and communication create a bond. By Holger Grosz
Flour, a common ingredient for pastry in many cultures. By Holger Grosz
Baking together. Baked with love and gossip. Hundreds of flat cakes are manually formed…By Holger Grosz
... and baked.By Holger Grosz
Communication between cultures.By Holger Grosz
The third generation grows up. Are there any differences anymore? And how will our neighbours’ lives look like 20 years from now?By Holger Grosz
I had an interesting and cosmopolitan talk with the trader for Islamic books. Far beyond negative news stories.By Holger Grosz
The children show what they have learned. By Holger Grosz
At least one difference I found. A ‘German teenager’ would never volunteer for a birthday kiss from his mother. By Holger Grosz
But classmates and friends are natives to the Web 2.0 age, as well. The birthday cake on Facebook and Twitter.By Holger Grosz
The birthday cake with the emblem of the favourite football club. When I was offered a piece of it, I made new friends.By Robert Chatterjee