Government launches programme for 50 years Turkish and Moroccan migration

Flemish culture minister Joke Schauvliege has launched Thuis: 50 jaar migratie (Home: 50 Years of Migration), a book and programme of events to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the 1964 labour treaty signed with Morocco and Turkey. 

“When Belgium signed the labour migration treaty, the economy was booming,” Schauvliege said. “It was the beginning of the Golden Sixties and West Europe urgently needed good workers. These labour migrants found a new home in Flanders, along with many other ethnic and cultural communities. We want this book to shed light on these new Belgians and the contribution they have made to our society.”

The new book, which will be handed out to train commuters this Thursday, contains portraits of several Moroccan and Turkish immigrants, along with facts and figures. Several local writers have contributed short stories, including  Rachida Lamrabet and Joke van Leeuwen.

The free book will be given out between 7.00 and 9.30 at five stations – Antwerpen-Berchem, Gent-Sint-Pieters, Hasselt, Kortrijk and Leuven. It is also available in the De Lijn shops, libraries and culture centres. 

An ambitious programme of events follows, including theatre productions, cooking courses, workshops and guided walks. Next spring’s Heritage Day will also be devoted to the subject, with the theme “Boundless”.

www.uitinvlaanderen.be/50-jaar-migratie