Ottoman and Turkish Influence on Muslim Romani People
The history of the Romani people is marked by diverse cultural adaptations, with the influence of the Ottoman Empire playing a pivotal role in shaping the identity of Muslim Romani populations. Over centuries, many Romani people became Turkified, adopting the language, customs, and religion of the Turkish state, leading to a distinct social and cultural trajectory compared to their Christian counterparts.
The Ottoman Era: Separation and Service
During the reign of Suleiman the Magnificent, a formal separation was established between Christian and Muslim Roma. This decree created a social divide that persisted for generations. Muslim Romani men found a specific niche within the state apparatus, serving in the Military of the Ottoman Empire, with a notable presence in the Ottoman military bands.
To maintain this religious and social boundary, the Ottoman authorities forbade marriage or cohabitation between Muslim and Christian Roma. This enforced segregation fostered significant cultural differences and internal tensions that remain visible in some communities today.
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Social Perceptions and Internal Divisions
The religious divide created a lasting psychological gap. Some Orthodox Christian Vlax Romani refer to themselves as čáče Roma (true Roma) and view Muslim Roma as Turks rather than part of Romani society. Conversely, some Muslim Roma perceive Christian Roma as foreigners, using the term Dasikane (meaning servant or slave). These groups often use the phrases Amare Roma (Our Roma) and Cudza Roma (foreign Roma) to distinguish between their own religious community and the other.
Legal Status and Taxation
The fiscal relationship between the Ottoman state and Muslim Roma evolved over time. While most paid the jizya (a tax historically levied on non-Muslim subjects, though applied here in early centuries), there were notable exceptions. For instance, Selim II exempted Muslim Roma in Ottoman Bosnia and Herzegovina from these taxes.
The legal standing of Muslim Roma shifted significantly following the Edict of Gülhane, which exempted them from taxes and led to their full acceptance as Muslims. By 1874, the Ottoman Empire granted equal rights to all Muslims, further integrating Muslim Roma into the broader imperial identity.
| Period/Event | Key Development | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Reign of Suleiman the Magnificent | Separation of Christian and Muslim Roma | Forbidden intermarriage and social divergence |
| Reign of Selim II | Tax exemption in Bosnia and Herzegovina | Financial relief for regional Muslim Roma |
| Edict of Gülhane | General tax exemption | Full acceptance as Muslims |
| 1874 | Granting of equal rights | Legal equality with other Muslims |
| 1923 (Population Exchange) | Greece-Turkey exchange | Resettlement of Mübadil Romanlar in Turkey |
Migration and the Modern Era
The collapse of the Ottoman Empire brought new challenges. In regions where Islam was a minority religion, Muslim Roma faced double discrimination: Antiziganism (prejudice against Romani people) and anti-Muslim sentiment.
Conflict and political shifts triggered several waves of migration. During the Greek War of Independence, the Russo-Turkish War (1877–1878), and the Balkan Wars (1912–1913), Muslim Roma fled to Istanbul and East Thrace as Muhacir (immigrants/refugees). Those moved during the official population exchange between Greece and Turkey are known as Mübadil Romanlar.
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Global Diaspora
In the mid-20th century, migration continued:
- 1950–1951: Muslim Turkish Roma from Bulgaria settled in Çanakkale and surrounding areas.
- 1953–1968: Migration from Yugoslavia to Turkey.
- Gastarbeiter Era: Many migrated to Western Europe as guest workers, though they were often perceived by host populations simply as Turks or Yugoslavs.
- Yugoslav Wars: Muslim Roma from Bosnia and Kosovo settled in Italy, particularly Florence.
- Americas: The Xoraxane (Muslim Roma) from former Yugoslavia settled primarily in New York and South America.
- Post-2007: Turkish Roma from Bulgaria began migrating to Western Europe for work.
Key Facts
- Religious Divide: Suleiman the Magnificent ordered the separation of Christian and Muslim Roma, forbidding intermarriage.
- Military Role: Muslim Romani men were active in the Ottoman military, specifically in military bands.
- Legal Evolution: Tax exemptions began under Selim II in Bosnia and were expanded via the Edict of Gülhane.
- Terminology: Muslim Roma from the Greece-Turkey population exchange are called Mübadil Romanlar.
- Double Discrimination: Post-Ottoman Muslim Roma often faced both anti-Muslim and anti-Romani prejudice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who are the Mübadil Romanlar?
Mübadil Romanlar are Muslim Turkish Roma who were resettled in Turkey as part of the population exchange between Greece and Turkey.
What is the difference between čáče Roma and Dasikane?
These are terms used to reflect a cultural and religious gap; some Orthodox Christian Vlax Roma call themselves čáče Roma (true Roma), while some Muslim Roma refer to Christian Roma as Dasikane (servants or slaves).
What role did Muslim Roma play in the Ottoman military?
Muslim Romani men served in the Ottoman Empire's military, with a particular emphasis on their roles within the military bands.
Where did the Xoraxane settle?
The Xoraxane, who are Muslim Roma from the former Yugoslavia, primarily settled in New York in the United States and in various parts of South America.
How did the Edict of Gülhane affect Muslim Roma?
The Edict of Gülhane made all Muslim Roma exempt from paying taxes to the Ottoman Empire and facilitated their full acceptance as Muslims within the state.