Memorial held in Germany for Turkish migrant killed in neo-Nazi attack 40 years ago

BERLIN

Germany on Monday marked the 40th anniversary of the death of Ramazan Avci, a Turkish migrant who was killed in a neo-Nazi attack in the northern city of Hamburg in 1985.

A memorial ceremony in Ramazan Avci Square, named in his honor, was attended by his family, local officials, lawmakers, civil society representatives, and relatives of other victims of racist violence.

Berati Alver, Türkiye’s consul general in Hamburg, was also present.

Avci was attacked by a group of around 30 neo-Nazis on Dec. 21, 1985.

He later died in hospital from his injuries. His killing is regarded as one of the earliest fatal racist attacks on migrants in post-war Germany.

'See racism ... do not remain silent'

Speakers at the event reflected on both historical and contemporary far-right violence in the country, warning against complacency and calling for greater solidarity with victims of racism.

Avci’s widow, Gulistan Avci, described her husband as a victim of racist hatred and urged society to take a clear stand. “See racism, hear it, and do not remain silent,” she said.

Unal Zeran, speaking on behalf of the Ramazan Avci Commemoration Initiative, called on German authorities to formally recognize the killing as a racially motivated crime and to issue an official apology. He said such recognition would be an important step toward justice and remembrance.

Faruk Arslan, who lost three family members in a far-right arson attack in the town of Molln in 1992, told the gathering that combating racism is not the sole responsibility of victims and minorities but of society as a whole.

Avci's son was born just 10 days after his father’s death and was named after him.

Germany has faced renewed scrutiny in recent years over far-right extremism and racist violence, prompting ongoing debate about how the country confronts its past and protects minority communities today.