Turkish Nationalists GraGrey Wolves: Where right-wing extremism and fundamentalism merge

Turkish nationalists known as the “Grey Wolves” are increasingly blending right-wing extremism with Islamic fundamentalism, according to a new report published by the German anti-Islamist organization KN:IX Connect. The report highlights how these groups, which have long been associated with ultra-nationalist ideology, are incorporating religious rhetoric to attract conservative segments of society that might otherwise remain outside their influence. This convergence poses a complex challenge for security authorities and public discourse in Germany. The report notes that while many in the German public and law enforcement still view right-wing extremism and Islamist movements as separate phenomena, the reality is more intertwined. According to Maida Ganević, one of the report’s authors, there are numerous overlaps between the two ideologies. Religious messaging has become a tool for mobilizing communities that are traditionally difficult to reach through nationalist platforms. This strategy allows the Grey Wolves to expand their influence beyond purely ethnic or nationalistic lines. The Grey Wolves, a faction within Turkey's ultranationalist movement, are known in Germany for their association with far-right politics. Security agencies estimate that the group has around 13,000 members, though some reports suggest the number could be as high as 18,000. These figures include individuals who are often linked to organized crime and the rock subculture. The group has occasionally gained attention in the media, such as in 2024 when football fans were accused of displaying the wolf salute, or in 2020 when a Turkish nationalist was charged with murdering a Kurdish man in Dortmund. The ideological framework of the Grey Wolves extends beyond nationalism. They envision the Turkish version of Islam as the highest form of religious expression, which positions them against both ethnic minorities and religious groups that differ from the dominant Turkish Muslim identity. This includes Alevis, a branch of Shia Islam, and Yazidis, a religious minority whose practices diverge from mainstream Sunni traditions. In June 2026, the desecration of an Alevi cemetery in Kiel was attributed to the Grey Wolves, underscoring the extent of their targeting of religious minorities. Beyond religious differences, the group also harbors hostility toward other minorities, including Kurds and Armenians. The report cites several instances of threats directed at politicians following the German parliament’s recognition of the Armenian genocide in 2016. Jews are another prominent target, with antisemitism being used as a common narrative across both Islamist and nationalist circles. The report traces this sentiment back to historical tensions in the Ottoman Empire, linking it to a tradition of anti-Jewish sentiment that dates to the 19th century. Miriam Uludoğan-Heß, another author of the report, emphasizes that antisemitism serves as a key bridge between different extremist ideologies. Additionally, the rejection of feminism is another shared value among the Grey Wolves and Islamist groups. This stance reinforces their broader worldview, which combines traditional values with exclusionary social norms. The group is deeply embedded in German society, operating through numerous sports clubs and associations that maintain close ties with Turkey and, in some cases, with the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP). Despite these connections, the report stresses that the Grey Wolves should not be viewed solely as an external force. Many of its members were born and raised in Germany, making them an integral part of contemporary German society. The report concludes that understanding the Grey Wolves requires moving beyond simplistic categorizations. Their presence in Germany reflects a broader trend of overlapping extremist ideologies that challenge conventional approaches to security and social cohesion. As the situation continues to evolve, further research and policy responses will be necessary to address the complexities of this emerging threat.