Lule Duriqi
Lule Duriqi was born in 1977 in Pristina, now the capital of Kosovo. She grew up there with five siblings. The war in Yugoslavia is part of her childhood and youth memories: “It was common to always be afraid and have to be careful. And then there were the demonstrations,” she recounts. “Today I think: Although there was fear, there was also great courage. People still went to these demonstrations, even though they didn’t know if they would return. But they simply joined in and fought for their values.” Within a short time, the family decided to flee in 1993. The then 16-year-old was confronted with the unalterable situation. Passports for the journey were quickly obtained. With a heavy heart, Lule Duriqi’s older brother had to be left behind initially; he was of age and subject to military service. Applying for the passport could have meant he had to go to war. With a group of escape helpers, the family reached Germany after a long journey. Although the escape helpers had arranged for them to go to Langenhagen – where the Duriqi family had relatives – they were abandoned in the middle of the night in Düsseldorf. “We were let out behind a huge advertising sign. You just stand there. With bags and kids. My father then tried to negotiate. But the escape helper said to us: Either you go now or I will call the police.” The family took a taxi to their relatives near Hannover. A few days later, they reported to the authorities and eventually settled in an initial reception center for refugees in Bremerhaven. The family remained in the asylum process and lived there for over two years. “During this time in Bremerhaven, I also received a deportation order twice. In that moment, someone pulls the ground out from under your feet; you fall into nowhere. Will it continue for me? I hired a lawyer both times and finally received a residence permit.” Shortly thereafter, Lule Duriqi began learning German and working on her qualifications. In 2000, she started training as a retail salesperson and remained active in this profession for many years in Bremerhaven. In 2013, she finally transitioned to the education sector, where she still works today. “In my job, I also deal a lot with refugees,” she says. “2015 was particularly impressive for me. You always see yourself in others and their stories. That also helped me process my own experiences.”
A portrait of Lule Duriqi is one of the faces that has been displayed on the facade of the new German Emigration Center since June 2021. Before the opening of the extension with the artistically designed facade, the Nordsee-Zeitung introduced the individuals behind these faces. You can watch the corresponding film portrait of Lule Duriqi here.