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Miss Germany says she proof of Turks acceptance
Miss Germany hopes her presence in Bangkok will herald better relations between ethnic Turks and Germans.
As Miss Universe aspirants ready themselves for the grand finale next week, Miss Germany hopes her presence in Bangkok will herald better relations between ethnic Turks and Germans back home.
Asli Bayram, 24, says her place in the contest is a sign of how far Germany has come to accept its Turkish minority since her father was murdered by a neo-Nazi 12 years ago.
"I was chosen to be Miss Germany and I think the choice presents a good example for Turks living in Germany," the dark-haired law student said.
"I think it also represents a good example of the fact that things are changing in Germany - that foreigners living in Germany, who have become German, who have a German passport, are becoming accepted," she said.
"That there isn't just this cliche of Germany - because of its history - I think that is positive," said Bayram, who will compete against 80 other contestants for the Miss Universe crown on Tuesday.
Bayram, who was born in Darmstadt, understands better than anyone the reality of racial tension in Germany, where some 2.6 million people are of Turkish origin, the first generation of whom came under a post-war programme to attract "guest workers".
At the age of twelve she witnessed her father's shooting by a neo-Nazi outside their home.
"He said to the policeman 'If I had the opportunity I would kill all the family, they are monkeys', something like that," she remembered.
Despite her personal tragedy, Bayram said she will never forget the kindness of many Germans who supported the family after her father's death.
"When it first happened I had a lot of problems. Later I saw many Germans help us and they supported us. Then I understood that not all Germans were like this," she said.
Bayram says she now wants to devote her life to fighting for others. She is studying to become a human rights lawyer and in her free time works as a counsellor for victims of crime.
"I want to play my part in changing things in the world and fight for justice," she said. "And if I become Miss Universe I will use my crown to help people".
