The Roma, what is their true origin? Why has the nomadic lifestyle not always been their choice? How is it possible that they are the only nation without a state? Why are there no official statistics on the most persecuted people in the world? Do they really have strong ties to magic, and an extraordinary heritage in art and culture…
The Roma are the most misunderstood and mythologized people on our planet, and have been for centuries. There have been rumors that they enter cities, seduce men and women, and then steal everything in sight, including children. Misconceptions and myths aside, the Roma remain one of the most fascinating ethnic groups in history.
ROMA, THE GREAT DEBATE ABOUT WHERE THEY COME FROM
The origins of the Roma are shrouded in mystery. In the early days of their travels, they seemed to magically appear on the continent. This alone could have caused Europeans’ fears, along with the mystery surrounding the Roma. Renowned professors theorized that the Roma had immigrated en masse from India in the 5th century. This theory assumes that their departure was due to the rise of Islam, from which the Roma were desperately fleeing to protect their religious freedom.
According to this theory, they moved from India to Anatolia and then to Europe, and further, according to the same theory, they split into three branches – Domari, Lomavren and Roma – during their mass exodus. However, renowned professor Ian Hanccock does not support this theory. He proposes that there were three mass migrations over the centuries. Hancock has used linguistics to further support his theories, but has encountered opposition.
NOMAD LIFESTYLE IS NOT ALWAYS THEIR CHOICE
Roma have always been considered exotic. Whether it’s popular expressions like “the Roma spirit” (free spirit) or the Cirque de Soleil show “Varekai,” Roma have consistently been portrayed as people who willingly move wherever they can. According to this stereotype, they prefer to live outside the center of society and disregard social norms, for a lifestyle that is always on the move, filled with colorful caravans and dancing.
But the reason for their relentless movements is much sadder. For centuries, Roma have been expelled from the places where they lived. This forced expulsion continues today. It is common for large numbers of Roma to be expelled to other countries. Many have theorized that the truest reason for the Roma’s nomadic existence is also the simplest: survival.
THEY DON’T HAVE A PLACE OF THEIR OWN
The Roma are a stateless people. Most countries deny them citizenship even if they were born within the country. Centuries of persecution, their isolated society, and mitigating factors in the former Yugoslavia have left the Roma marginalized, alienated from society, and stateless. This has not been remedied by the creation of the International Roma Union in 1977. In 2000, the Roma were officially declared a nation without a territory. This makes them legally invisible. Without access to healthcare services, they often lack verifiable citizenship or birth certificates. And this causes many of the problems that all “legally invisible” people in the world face. They have no access to education, healthcare, and other social services. They cannot even obtain passports, making travel difficult or impossible. The most persecuted people on earth
The Roma were an enslaved people in Europe, mainly in Romania, from the 14th to the 19th century. They were traded and sold and considered less than human. In the 1700s, Maria Theresa, sovereign of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, outlawed the Roma people, their clothing, and their employment.
This was done to force them to integrate into society. Maria Theresa was the only ruler to attempt to assimilate Romanians in this way. Similar laws were passed in Spain, and many European countries outlawed the Roma by not allowing them to enter their countries. Until recently, the Roma were the invisible victims of Nazi persecution. The Nazi regime hunted and rounded up the Roma, leading thousands to their deaths, claiming that they were ethnically inferior. Even today, the Roma are persecuted. Recently, many human rights organizations have begun to protest the treatment meted out to the Roma, whether it is forced expulsion or denial of social services.
NO ONE IS SURE HOW MANY ROMANS EXIST
It is difficult to give a reliable figure for how many Roma there are. Due to the discrimination they often face, many of them do not register publicly or identify as Roma. Also, given their legal invisibility, the number of children born without documents, and the carefree nature of Roma, many of them are unregistered anywhere. Also problematic is the lack of Roma registered with public services, which would help to create a clearer idea of their numbers. The New York Times estimates that the Roma population worldwide is approximately 11 million. However, these figures are often disputed. Since there are very few surveys or censuses that include Roma, this figure could be higher or lower. However, there are Roma populations in the US, Russia, Bulgaria, Italy, and other European countries.
GYPSIES
For many people, the term “gypsy” simply means someone who is nomadic and is not considered a racial slur. But for the Roma, the term has an offensive connotation. For example, according to the Oxford Dictionary, the word “gypped” – deceived – comes from “gypsy” and means a criminal act. The Roma, who were often called gypsies, were seen as foreigners and thieves and even had the word “gypsy” tattooed on their skin during the Nazi regime. Ian Hancock, a distinguished professor of linguistics, has described the word as a label given to an ethnic group that was considered foreign. The word has been used over the centuries to oppress the Roma, to distinguish them as different, and to create a stereotype. The Roma themselves do not call themselves that way and consider the use of the term derogatory.
ROMANS ARE NOT MORE “MAGICAL” THAN OTHERS
There are many legends surrounding the Roma. One says that they possess centuries-old magic that has been passed down from generation to generation. The legend is related to playing cards, crystal balls, and fortune-telling tents. In everyday life, we encounter many of these stereotypes about the Roma. Literature is full of references to the Roma and their magical arts. For example, in “Jane Eyre,” the Roma visit Thornfield as fortune tellers. In Stephen King’s novel “Thinner,” where the main character is cursed by a Roma after killing an old woman, much attention is paid to the Roma’s ability to perform magical acts. In addition, there are many films that highlight Roma curses. Even in art, there are many depictions of the Roma as mystical and magical figures. For many intellectuals, this is simply untrue. They do not have an official religion
In European folklore, it is often said that the Roma created a temple out of cream cheese. It is further said that they ate it when they were hungry during a period of mass famine. This left them without a church or religion. This is probably not true, but it is true that the Roma do not have an official religion. They usually join the church that is dominant in the country where they live. However, there are many traditional Roma beliefs. But these may or may not be practiced as part of their religion. Ian Hancock has refuted the belief that the Roma did not have an official religion before and after the exodus. In his writings he speaks of numerous connections between the Roma and Hinduism.
MODESTY IN EVERYTHING
Although Romani weddings are often accompanied by elaborate dresses and costumes, modesty is typical of everyday attire. Among the Romani, modesty is a traditionally important principle. The dances most often associated with Romani women are the waist dances. However, many Romani women also perform traditional dances that involve more than just the waist. Likewise, the long dresses worn by Romani women are not intended to be lifted up seductively during dances. They wear them because in their tradition, exposing the legs is considered immodest.
THEY HAVE GIVEN THE WORLD A VERY GREAT ARTISTIC HERITAGE
Since the beginning of time, the Roma have been strongly associated with singing, dancing, and acting. They have carried this tradition through the centuries and have left behind a legacy of immense proportions. Many Roma have assimilated into the world, leaving behind a legacy of their talent and Roma culture. The list of famous Roma musicians includes Keshan, Neon Hitch, Cher Lloyd, Jerry Mason, and Django Reinhardt. Famous author Mikey Walsh and Pilgrim’s Progress author John Bunyan are two of the Roma who have written memorable books. Likewise, many famous dancers are Roma. These artists include Carmen Amayan, who is considered one of the most famous flamenco dancers of all time. After all, they are probably truly magical.