The German-Turkish relations have worsened dramatically in recent years. The BND affair is a low point. That should be reason enough to give it a reboot.

Considering the relations between Germany and Turkey, one can only marvel. Germany is the main trading partner of Turkey in the EU. The largest ethnic Turkish diaspora in Germany. Turkey is one of the most popular destinations of the Germans.

One might assume that there are close links between Turks and Germans that appreciate one another and each other interested.

But far from it. How many German actually know what “yes” or “no” means in Turkish? And why think so many Turks, Germany envy their country’s economic growth in recent years and strive for nothing else, than it impedes access this climb?

It is grotesque: There is probably no other two countries in the world, who have so much to do with each other, but want to know so little of each other. On both sides of disinterest, on both sides of prejudices: here the image of the arrogant, joyless Teutons, where the idea of ​​the backward, poor Anatolians.

We are so far that a CSU General Secretary can say his party had never made a secret of the fact that Turkey does not belong in the EU – without acknowledging the recent Turkish reform efforts and to show his opponent at least a modicum of good will and respect.

It is a time in which a high-ranking Turkish government adviser can seriously claim that Lufthansa was behind the Gezi protests, because they prevent the third airport in Istanbul and wanted to protect its own hub in Frankfurt am Main. Because the Gezi demonstrators protesting against the new airport, it was clear that Germany had goaded them.

After BND Affair German-Turkish Relations:Start new relationships

One can not avoid the impression that the German-Turkish agenda is determined by politicians who are the other country joined in heartfelt aversion.

All the more beneficial, that after the announcement of the spy scandal, at least so far not a Turkish politician has losgepoltert against Germany and the BND. The reasons should be that the presidential campaign is over and that relations with Germany are too important for Turkey but, as that would unnecessarily shattered porcelain.

The Turkish Foreign Ministry has responded calmly and waived a formal protest note. Instead, it has asked the German ambassador in Ankara for an interview and shared their concerns. Such diplomatic niceties may seem trivial, but they are important when it comes to the connection does not break off and leave respect the other’s face.

It would be desirable if Germany and Turkey start any relationships – not only governments but all people.

And for information: “Yes” is called “evet” and “no” “Hayır”.