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Echoes of Anatolia

A scholarly exploration into the historical assimilation, cultural distinctiveness, and migratory patterns of the Turkish Romani people.

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Identity

Self-Turkification and Assimilation

The Turkish Roma, also known by various names such as Turkish Gypsy or Horahane, represent a distinct group of Muslim Roma who have undergone a profound process of self-Turkification and cultural assimilation over several centuries. This process involved adopting Turkish culture, including the Turkish language, and embracing Sunni Islam of the Hanafi madhab, alongside practices like religious male circumcision. This assimilation was often a strategic choice, enabling them to establish a Turkish identity to gain greater recognition within the host population.

Navigating Dual Identities

Historically, many Turkish Roma have consciously denied their Romani background, choosing to declare themselves as Turks during population censuses to express their Turkishness. While they have generally been permitted to reside within Turkish communities as Turks, they frequently encounter economic discrimination. Interestingly, Christian Romani communities often do not recognize Turkish Roma as part of broader Romani society, highlighting the complex layers of identity and belonging within these groups.

The Legacy of ร‡ingene Han

A significant figure in the legendary history of the Turkish Roma is Mansur ibn Yakub Han, famously known as ร‡ingene Han. Historical accounts attribute to him the construction of a caravanserai in Malatya in 1224, the ruins of which are still visible today. Mansur bin Yakup Han is also said to be interred in the Ulu Mosque in Malatya, underscoring his enduring cultural and historical importance to the community.

History

Ancient Roots and Early Migrations

The historical narrative of the Romani people often traces back to India. Ancient chroniclers like Hamza al-Isfahani and Ferdowsi documented the migration of approximately 12,000 musicians from India to Persia, brought by Bahram Gur. This historical movement is often cited as a foundational event in the broader Romani diaspora, setting the stage for their eventual presence in Anatolia and beyond.

Ottoman Era Integration

During the Ottoman Empire, the integration of Romani communities into Turkish society saw significant developments. Following the conquest of Istanbul in 1453, Mehmed II relocated Muslim Gypsies from Balat to Istanbul. Their descendants subsequently became renowned musicians, contributing to the rich cultural tapestry of the city. These communities primarily spoke Turkish, with only a minimal retention of Romani vocabulary in their jargon, indicating early linguistic assimilation.

The migration patterns continued, with these groups moving from Anatolia to the Marmara Region and eventually settling in the Balkans during the Ottoman period. A. G. Paspati, a Greek physician, noted in 1860 that intermarriage between Turks and Roma women was common, leading to the near-complete loss of the Rumelian Romani dialect among Muslim Turkish Roma, who had become entirely Turkish-speaking.

Shifting Identities and Perceptions

The perception and self-identification of Turkish Roma have been fluid. Ernest Gilliat-Smith observed in 1915 that Turkish Roma in Bulgaria did not speak Romani and were often perceived as impoverished Turks rather than Romani people. The French orientalist Henri Bourgeois even referred to some Turkish Roma as "Pseudo Chingiane." A curious historical phenomenon involved some non-Romani families in the Ottoman Empire adopting a "Gypsy (Coptic)" identity to evade military conscription until 1874, a practice they continued in records even after equal rights were granted to Muslim Roma. This historical context also saw some Turkish groups in Bulgaria being categorized as "Gypsies" or "Tatars," illustrating the complex and sometimes arbitrary nature of ethnic classification.

Migration

Core Settlements and Regional Variations

While the majority of Turkish Roma reside in Turkey, significant communities are also found across the Balkans, including Bulgaria, Greece (particularly Western Thrace), North Macedonia, and Northern Cyprus, with smaller populations in Romania (Dobruja) and Kosovo. In East Thrace, Turkey, they are often referred to as "ลžopar," a term derived from Rumelian Romani with various interpretations.

Diaspora Across Europe and Beyond

The migratory history of Turkish Roma extends beyond the immediate region. A small Muslim Turkish Roma community in Dobruja, Romania, comprises descendants of those who intermingled with Turks during the Ottoman Empire. These groups are often distinguished from Romanian Christian Roma, who simply refer to them as "Turks." In Western Thrace, Greece, Turkish-speaking Muslim Roma are known as "Turko-Gifti," encompassing subgroups like Sepeฤides, Sevljara, and Kalpazaja. Turkish-speaking Gypsies in Northern Cyprus also share close ties with their counterparts in Turkey and West Thrace.

  • Kosovo: The Divanjoldjije community in Kosovo is named after Divanyolu Street in Istanbul, their original settlement before relocating to Pristina during the Ottoman Kosovo period.
  • Western Europe: Turkish Romanlar who migrated to Germany, Austria, and other European countries as "Gastarbeiter" (guest workers) have largely assimilated within the broader Turkish diaspora in Europe.
  • North Macedonia: Turkish Gypsies in cities like Skopje, Koฤani, ล tip, and Veles live integrated within the host population rather than in separate Roma quarters. Many families emigrated to Turkey between 1953 and 1968, and their descendants are fully accepted as Turks.
  • Bulgaria to Western Europe: Since Bulgaria's entry into the European Union, Turkish Roma, including groups like the Usta Millet and Mehter, have migrated to Western Europe for work. A notable trend includes Turkish Roma men marrying Polish women, with their mixed-heritage offspring referred to as "Melezi," a Turkish loanword meaning "half-blood." A study on Bulgarian Muslim Roma youth in Berlin indicated that 97% identified as Turkish, while only 3% identified as Romani.

Forced Migrations and Exchanges

Periods of conflict and political upheaval significantly shaped Turkish Roma migration. During the Greek War of Independence, the Russo-Turkish War (1877โ€“1878), and the Balkan Wars (1912โ€“1913), Muslim Roma, alongside other Muslim groups, sought refuge in Istanbul and East Thrace as "Muhacir" (immigrants). The population exchange between Greece and Turkey also led to the resettlement of Muslim Turkish Roma from Greece into Turkey, where they are known as "Mรผbadil Romanlar." Similarly, under the 1925 Convention between Bulgaria and Turkey, many Muslim Turkish Gypsies from the Veliko Tarnovo district, officially registered as "Turks," emigrated to Turkey. Further waves of migration saw Muslim Turkish Roma from Bulgaria settling in ร‡anakkale in 1950โ€“1951, and from Yugoslavia to Turkey between 1953 and 1968. Even in the USA, Xoraxaya (Muslim Roma from Turkey and Southeastern Europe) have established Turkish Roma dance (Roman Havasi) clubs, often identifying as "Turkish Romany."

Culture

Festivals and Beliefs

The cultural landscape of Turkish Roma is rich with unique traditions and beliefs. The annual Kakava festival, celebrated notably in Edirne, is a vibrant expression of Romani culture. Central to their spiritual heritage is the belief in a savior figure known as Baba Fingo, whose story and significance are woven into their communal practices and folklore.

Family and Social Norms

Traditional family structures and social customs play a pivotal role in Turkish Roma society. It is common for individuals to marry relatives at a relatively young age, with boys typically marrying between 15 and 19 years old, and girls between 13 and 17. Polygamy is also a widespread practice, with some men having multiple wives, sometimes up to 7-11. The community's moral framework often assesses behavior based on the social standing of the partner rather than gender alone. While both women and young men are considered objects of desire, a man's extramarital desires are traditionally expected to be pursued only with non-Romani women.

Regarding same-sex relations, homosexual acts are considered acceptable as long as one assumes the role of the penetrator or 'active' partner. However, a man who is penetrated by another man is specifically identified as "Gay" and referred to as "Bujashi," a view that has been adopted from Turkish culture. The practice of pederasty, involving an older man and a younger one, also found its way into their cultural norms during the Ottoman period.

Rituals and Aspirations

Male circumcision is a significant rite of passage, typically performed on boys between the ages of 3 and 7, accompanied by a celebratory festival known as "bijav sunet." A "kirvo," or godfather, holds a crucial role, providing support to the boy during the circumcision ceremony. Beyond these rituals, some Turkish Roma men, particularly oil wrestlers, pursue this physically demanding sport as a means to transcend their socio-economic challenges, hoping to find a path out of hardship.

Genetics

Unpacking Genetic Markers

Genetic studies provide insights into the ancestral origins and admixture of the Turkish Roma population. Analysis of Y-DNA haplogroups in Turkey reveals a diverse genetic landscape. While a significant portion of the population exhibits haplogroups such as I2a (20%), J2a (18.4%), R2a (17.1%), O3-M122 (15.6%), R1b (14.9%), E1b (14.3%), R1a (12.1%), and C-RPS4Y (8.5%), the presence of Y-DNA L (4.21%) and H (0.57%) is particularly indicative of Proto-Romani paternal lineages.

Admixture and Ancestral Confirmation

The relatively low percentages of Y-DNA L and H, coupled with the prevalence of other haplogroups also found in non-Romani men, suggest a history of genetic admixture. This genetic evidence corroborates historical observations, such as A. G. Paspati's statement from 1860, which highlighted the intermingling of various peoples within the Ottoman Empire. Additionally, mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) analysis indicates that 26.5% of the Turkish Roma population carries Haplogroup M, further contributing to the understanding of their complex genetic heritage.

Cuisine

A Culinary Heritage

The "Romani cuisine" in Turkey serves as compelling evidence of the long-standing presence of Turkish Romani communities in Anatolia since ancient times. This culinary tradition is not merely a collection of recipes but a testament to their historical journey and cultural resilience. Over centuries, the unique culinary culture of the Turkish Romanis has significantly influenced and enriched the already diverse and vibrant cuisine of Anatolia, contributing distinct flavors, ingredients, and cooking techniques that reflect their heritage and adaptation.

Music

Rhythms and Expressions

Music and dance are integral to the cultural identity of Turkish Roma. Their distinctive Turkish music style is widely recognized for its characteristic 9/8 rhythm, which provides a lively and intricate foundation for their performances. This rhythmic complexity is often accompanied by captivating Belly dance performances, a form of artistic expression deeply embedded in their traditions. These musical and dance forms are not only entertainment but also powerful vehicles for storytelling, celebration, and the preservation of their unique cultural heritage.

Religion

Romani Islam and Sufi Orders

The religious landscape of Turkish Roma is predominantly shaped by Islam, with unique regional developments. In the Western Balkans, a distinct form of "Romani Islam" has evolved over time, blending Islamic tenets with local Romani cultural practices. In Turkey, specifically in รœskรผdar, an indigenous Romani Sufi Order known as the Gulsheni Sezai order was established. This order represents a unique spiritual expression within the broader Sufi tradition, tailored to the cultural and religious experiences of the Romani community.

Emerging Christian Adherents

While Islam remains the dominant faith, there has been a notable, albeit small, shift in religious affiliation among some Turkish Roma. Since the 1990s, evangelical Christian missionaries have been active in Bulgaria, leading a minority of Turkish Roma to convert to evangelical Christianity. This development highlights the dynamic nature of religious identity and the influence of external religious movements within Romani communities.

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References

References

  1.  Bahram V. Gur
  2.  Bahram V. Gur
A full list of references for this article are available at the Turkish Roma Wikipedia page

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