The Surprising History of the Kebab: From Diplomatic Rows to German Inventions

If you’ve ever found yourself wandering the streets in the UK after a night out, chances are you’ve grabbed a doner kebab to soak up the night’s adventures. But did you know that the humble kebab has a story packed with twists — from international diplomatic spats to unexpected German innovation?

The doner kebab, now a global street food icon, actually carries with it a rich and complex history that bridges cultures, countries, and culinary traditions. Let’s slice into this savory tale of multicultural exchange, innovation, and, yes, even a little drama.

From Ottoman Origins to Turkish Pride

The word kebab, meaning “grilled meat” in Turkish, has roots tracing back centuries to the Ottoman Empire. The doner kebab as we know it — meat cooked slowly on a vertical rotisserie — first appeared in Turkey in the 19th century. This preparation style made it easy to serve juicy, tender meat quickly, ideal for bustling bazaars and street markets.

For Turks, the doner kebab is a symbol of culinary heritage, a dish reflecting centuries of tradition and social life. Its flavors and preparations are deeply woven into Turkey’s food identity.

The German Connection: Reinventing a Classic

Here’s where the story takes a surprising turn. The doner kebab’s rise to global fame owes much to immigrant communities that settled in Europe, especially Germany. Turkish workers migrated to Germany in the 1960s and 70s during the country’s “Gastarbeiter” (guest worker) program, bringing their culture and cuisine with them.

Legend credits a Turkish immigrant named Kadir Nurman, who, in 1972 Berlin, adapted the traditional doner kebab into the now-familiar sandwich format — sliced meat stuffed into pita bread with salad and sauces — perfect for fast food culture and busy urban lifestyles.

This German innovation helped popularize the kebab outside Turkey, transforming it into an affordable, portable, and beloved street food across Europe and beyond.

The Diplomatic Kebab Row: What’s in a Name?

The doner kebab’s international journey hasn’t been without controversy. In recent years, what might seem like a trivial food dispute morphed into a full-blown diplomatic row between Turkey and Germany over cultural ownership and branding.

Turkish officials have often expressed frustration at the dish being widely identified as “German kebab,” viewing it as an appropriation of their national heritage. Conversely, German vendors and politicians celebrate the kebab’s integration into German food culture, symbolizing successful multicultural coexistence.

This tension echoes broader themes in global food culture — questions about identity, authenticity, and who “owns” a dish when it crosses borders and gets reinvented.

Kebab as a Cultural Icon: A Symbol of Multiculturalism

Today, the doner kebab is far more than just a snack; it’s a cultural phenomenon. In the UK, it’s a staple late-night meal, synonymous with city life and social bonding. Across Europe, it’s embraced by diverse communities, featured in festivals, food markets, and menus ranging from street carts to gourmet restaurants.

Its success story exemplifies how immigrant cuisines can adapt, thrive, and become woven into the fabric of their new homes. The kebab’s popularity illustrates food’s power to bridge cultures — offering comfort, connection, and a taste of shared humanity.

Why the Kebab’s Story Matters

The doner kebab’s history is a flavorful reminder of how food travels and transforms. A dish rooted in Turkish tradition found new life thanks to German adaptations and immigrant entrepreneurship, blossoming into a global cultural icon.

Its tale includes moments of pride, innovation, cultural debate, and, ultimately, celebration of diversity. That late-night kebab stand you visit might seem simple, but it carries a rich legacy of history, identity, and the delicious complexities of globalization.

So next time you bite into a doner kebab, remember: you’re tasting centuries of history, cross-cultural exchange, and a story that’s still being written — one delicious slice at a time.

References

• Daily Star: The Surprising History of the Kebab from Diplomatic Rows to German Inventions
• Images: Unsplash via Picsum Photos

Keywords: kebab, doner kebab, history, diplomatic row, German invention, street food, cultural icon
Date: July 14, 2025