A Matter of Honour

Burak Yılmaz grew up in Duisburg as the child of immigrants. His educational path – elite Catholic high school, Qur’anic school, university – traverses milieus, and his later work would lead to dangerous convictions. In response to the anti-Semitism he encountered at his youth centre, he organised trips to Auschwitz with Muslim teenagers. An explosive mixture of pain, disappointment and the desire to belong emerges in his attempt to create counternarratives to an increasingly populist culture of debate.

A Matter of Honour is a testimony against hatred that also recounts a unique life story and addresses a critical issue in public opinion in Germany.

»A dedicated expert on anti-Semitism, remembrance culture and Islamism. Every year he travels to Auschwitz with young Muslims to highlight the consequences of racism. His work makes it obvious that there is no end to remembrance in Germany.« Frank-Walter Steinmeier, President of Germany

»an important contribution to the culture of remembrance« Timo Steppat, Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung

»Intercultural competence is Yılmaz’s speciality.« ZDF aspekte

»Burak Yilmaz uncovers ... ambivalences and is working on deconstructing ideologies that despise others.« Anton Benz, Spektrum der Wissenschaft

»This personal and very enjoyable account illuminates the world of a boy of Turkish origin from Duisburg who rebels against German racism and injustice in his own community while at the same time preserving his identity ... [A Matter of Honour] holds a mirror up to the reader.« Igal Avidan, WDR 5