The Roma

Roma are variously known as Rroma, Gypsies, Tsiganes, Tsigan, Gitanos or Gitans, as well as Sinti, Cale, and many other names.

They are Europeans, having arrived in Europe in the Byzantine Empire in the Xth century. They are thus by far not the latest arrivals in Europe, for for example, the Magyars (Hungarians) arrived around the same time in Europe.

They are a true transnational European minority, with 10-12 million Roma living in Europe, with a distinct culture, language, traditions. They are well integrated and part of society in many countries. This was especially true in the Balkan pre-nationalistic wars.

In their entire history in Europe, contrary to all other invaders such as the Germans, Slavs, Bulgars, Magyars, etc., they never even tried or aspired to have their own country, much less even to conquer one by force. They settled in most European regions, this much before the countries as we know them today existed.

They are Europeans, at home in their country, often proud citizen, but nevertheless Roma.

  • Where From?
    Until the XVIIIth century in Western Europe, many thought that Roma came from Egypt, Nubia or some other “Saracen” land or even, that they were...
  • Roma Names
    Rom, with the plural of Roma, means “man” and “husband”, while its feminine form, Romni with the plural of Romnja means “woman” and “wife”. It...
  • Roma Population
    What is the current Roma’s world population nowadays? This is not easy to answer: On the one hand, the official representatives of many countries want...
  • Social Organisation
    Roma are organised in various subdivisions that, for a lack of a better term are called groups. The list of such groups is rather long,...
  • Travellers
    There is a great confusion between Roma and Travellers, in German “Fahrende” and in French “Gens du Voyage”. In a strict interpretation, Roma’s origins lie...
  • Roma Groups
    Besides the various names that given to Roma by Gadže, Roma are using other names to describe themselves – their group appurtenance. Clans and lineages...
  • The Roma
    Roma are variously known as Rroma, Gypsies, Tsiganes, Tsigan, Gitanos or Gitans, as well as Sinti, Cale, and many other names. They are Europeans, having arrived...
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