The visit, spanning from Istanbul on Monday to Gaziantep a region devastated by the February 6th, 2023 earthquakes on Tuesday, and concluding with talks with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Ankara on Wednesday, resonated beyond the often tense background of Turkish-German relationships.

The buzz surrounding Steinmeier's visit, marking his first to Turkey since assuming office seven years ago, was amplified by his itinerary which included meetings with Turkey's principal opposition figures, Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu and Ankara Mayor Mansur Yavas. Furthermore, Steinmeier's arrival was met with protests objecting to his country's stance on the Gaza conflict and the Israeli transgressions against Palestinians.

On the occasion of the centenary of diplomatic relations with Turkey, President Steinmeier expressed a message of friendship, signifying the close ties between the two countries, as shared by the German Embassy’s account.

"Shawarma Diplomacy" Marks The Visit

In an unprecedented move, Steinmeier brought along German citizen of Turkish origin, Arif Kilic, and 60 kilograms of frozen "Doner Kebab" (shawarma), personally distributing slices to pedestrians. This gesture, among others, aimed to highlight the success stories of Turkish immigrants in Germany. The origins of the "Doner Kebab" or "shawarma" have long been a tongue-in-cheek contention between Turks and Germans, with the sector achieving symbolic success for Turkish integration within Germany.

Debates over integration have historically sparked between Erdogan and former Chancellor Angela Merkel, focusing on the education of the Turkish diaspora in Germany, numbered at 3.3 million, and Erdogan’s insistence on Turkish-language schooling.

The media termed Steinmeier’s gesture as "shawarma diplomacy."

Controversy Over Imamoglu Meeting

Steinmeier began his Turkish visit in Istanbul, where he was received by Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu at the historical Sirkeci Train Station, marking the original point of labor migration to Germany 63 years ago. Their meeting stirred significant media and social media buzz, as Imamoglu is considered a potential future leader of Turkey. During his journey, Steinmeier faced demonstrators accusing him of supporting the "genocide" in Gaza, a sentiment echoed in Gaziantep the following Tuesday.

Tensions between Turkey and Germany span various disputes, including democracy and human rights perceptions, Erdogan's crackdown on opposition, and the treatment of Turkish citizens affiliated with the Gulen movement. Additionally, Ankara criticizes Germany’s support for Greece and Cyprus in their disputes, the obstruction of Turkey’s EU accession efforts, and leniency towards the activities of the "Kurdistan Workers’ Party" (PKK), deemed a terrorist organization by both nations.

Steinmeier's last encounter with Erdogan occurred in Berlin, November last year, amidst German criticism of Erdogan’s solidarity with Palestinians and condemnation of Israeli actions as "crimes against humanity." The visit elucidates the complex layers of Turkish-German relations, highlighting both historical ties and contemporary challenges.