Wiesbaden, 1973: 19,221 people. 19,221 life stories and countless tales that are part of our state capital. Armed with courage and hope, these people and their families came to Wiesbaden as so-called guest workers under the recruitment agreements that the Federal Republic of Germany concluded with various countries beginning in 1955. They have contributed to the economic development of our state capital and to today’s diverse urban society.

“I am delighted that on October 28, we will honor the life achievements of these people and their subsequent generations at a special evening of film and conversation at the Caligari FilmBühne, featuring the film ‘Gleis 11,’ a discussion with eyewitnesses, and the launch of a digital city tour,” says Daniela Georgi, Head of the Department of Integration.

The documentary “Gleis 11” by Çağdaş Eren Yüksel will be screened; through seven personal stories, it sheds light on the experiences of an entire generation. The film is named after the central location at Munich Central Station where many guest workers arrived in Germany at the time.

Following the screening, eyewitnesses will share their memories of significant locations in Wiesbaden. At the same time, a digital city tour will be launched, designed to highlight key sites related to the history of guest workers using the digital twin of the state capital, Wiesbaden.

This event is intended as a kickoff, and citizens are expressly encouraged to participate in developing the digital city tour following the event.

Those interested can contact integration@wiesbaden.de by Sunday, October 25, to receive a free registration link. Last-minute attendees can also purchase a ticket at the box office on Wednesday, October 28, for 9 euros.

The event stems from an initiative by the Foreign Residents’ Advisory Council to honor the lifetime achievements of guest workers and is reflected in Resolution 0085 of the City Council dated March 21, 2024. The Wiesbaden Advisory Council for Foreign Residents is the oldest democratically elected body of its kind in the Federal Republic of Germany and has existed since 1972. The council was last elected on March 15, 2026, in conjunction with the local elections. This event is being held for the second time as part of the “WIR in Wiesbaden” series. The event is organized by the Wiesbaden Foreign Residents’ Advisory Council, the Cultural Affairs Office (Caligari FilmBühne and City Archives), and the Integration Department of the State Capital of Wiesbaden. The historic sites will be presented using the Digital Twin, a 3D model of the State Capital of Wiesbaden.