Türkei-Reise: Wüst verleiht Toleranz-Medaille an Fußballer Gündogan
Er ist der erste Fußballer mit Migrationshintergrund, der Kapitän der Nationalmannschaft wurde. Seit Jahren setzt er sich für gesellschaftlichen Zusammenhalt ein. Dafür wird er jetzt geehrt.
Former German footballer Ilkay Gündogan received the Mevlüde-Genç Medal from Minister-President Hendrik Wüst for his outstanding contributions to social cohesion. The ceremony took place in the German ambassador's summer residence in Istanbul. Wüst praised Gündogan for standing up against hatred and discrimination, protecting others, and using his popularity to promote understanding between cultures, including between Turkey and Germany.
Gündogan, 35, had received the award previously but it was delayed due to his move to Galatasaray Istanbul. Leroy Sané, also a Galatasaray player, attended the event. Gündogan is the first footballer of migrant background to become captain of the German national team. He has long advocated for respectful coexistence and the unifying power of football.
The Mevlüde-Genç Medal, established in 2018, is awarded to individuals or groups promoting understanding and tolerance, contributing to peaceful coexistence in society. The ceremony commemorates the night of May 29, 1993, when four youths set fires in the Genç family home in Solingen, killing two sisters, two grandchildren, and a niece, while injuring 17 family members severely with lasting consequences.
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