Hijab-wearing entrepreneur makes Miss Germany history amid far-right backlash
Büsra Sayed, a 27-year-old entrepreneur, made history as the first German woman to reach the Miss Germany final while wearing a hijab. Her journey has since sparked national attention, especially after criticism from a far-right lawmaker pushed her into the spotlight. Sayed grew up facing racism in a small Lower Saxon town. Instead of backing down, she chose to respond with humour and determination. This approach became clear when AfD lawmaker Beatrix von Storch dismissed her as a 'hijab activist' in the Bundestag.
Her response was swift and clever. A video rebuttal, offering a discount on her hijab fashion line, went viral with six million views. The attention also boosted sales, including to non-Muslim customers. As demand grew, she expanded her team from one to five employees. The controversy even led to an invitation from an SPD lawmaker to visit the Bundestag. Sayed’s goal remains clear: to promote diversity and ensure every woman—regardless of whether she wears a hijab—feels she belongs.
Sayed’s story has reshaped conversations about representation in Germany. Her fashion business continues to grow, while her public stance challenges stereotypes. The incident with von Storch, rather than silencing her, has amplified her message of inclusion.
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