Overview

• The iconic red 'Dönermann' logo, a staple of German pop culture, was designed in 1987 by Düsseldorf-based graphic designer Mehmet Unay.
• Unay created the logo as a quick, low-budget flyer commission for a Turkish restaurant, using a Letraset clip-art base as inspiration.
• The ARD podcast 'Döner Papers,' led by Aylin Doğan, conducted a three-year investigation combining archival research and interviews to identify Unay as the artist.
• Despite the logo's widespread fame and cultural significance, Unay never claimed intellectual property rights, allowing others to commercialize the design.
• The logo has transcended its original purpose, becoming a symbol in fashion, media, and political movements, reflecting its deep cultural resonance in Germany.