HANOVER, Germany - Sheikhmous Tekkal left his village in Turkey's southeastern province of Diyarbakir (Amed) over 50 years ago. His family could not join him for a dozen years due to restrictions on migrations. The Yazidi family has gained significant fame in Germany and one of his daughters is a prominent activist.
Recounting his first days in Germany, Sheikhmous told Rudaw that he worked as a truck driver at the time and was easily accepted by the German community.
During the interview, the writer explains how she and his wife, Fatima, tried hard to make sure that their 11 children would have a nice future in a foreign country, encouraging them to pursue their studies and goals despite discouraging remarks from their relatives.
Duzen Tekkal, their daughter, is a prominent figure in Germany. Last year, she received Theodor Heuss Prize for her work on the rights of minorities.
On April 20, 2024, she posted a photo of herself with her parents on X, with Sheikhmous holding the award in his hands with a smile on his face.
"It is a special honor for me to accept the 59th Theodor Heuss Prize 2024 in the presence of my parents for my work for #freedom, #democracy, and the rights of #minorities," she said.