On Saturday, February 8, 2025, the book “Guest Workers – Stories from the 1970s” was published by Migration Musem of Denmark in collaboration with Indvandrerhistorisk Selskab. The book is based on the museum’s special exhibition with the same title and is a tribute to the many guest workers who came to Denmark in the 1970s and have since contributed to shaping Danish society.
The book gives a voice to the often invisible labour migrants of the 1960s and 1970s and their descendants. Through interviews, photos, and edited excerpts, it delves into personal stories and collective experiences, offering new perspectives on the concept of “guest worker.” The many stories provide insight into the journey to Denmark, work life, living conditions, encounters with Danish society, free time, and cultural imprints – contributing a nuanced and personal view of the guest workers’ memories of life in Denmark.
The purpose of the book is to inspire reflection and dialogue about the significant contributions of guest workers to our shared history and their impact on Danish society.
Author Nilgün Erdem’s reaction to the exhibition captures everything the work and the contributions have meant for the children and grandchildren of former guest workers: “I am SO deeply moved to finally see my roots honored and celebrated as an integral part of Danish history.”
Editors: Ole Hammer, Emma Barnhøj Jeppesen, and Dragan Jovanovic (2025).
Photos: Mikkel Arnfred.
