April 8 World Roma Day Panel

The Trakya University Institute of Romani Language and Culture Research—the only institute in Turkey and the Balkans conducting academic work on Roma communities—hosted a panel bringing together many prominent figures on April 8, World Roma Day.

As part of Trakya University’s 40th-anniversary celebrations, the Institute organized the “Roma: History, Culture, Health, and Working Life Panel,” which was held online on April 8, 2022. Participants included Trakya University Rector Prof. Dr. Erhan Tabakoğlu; Institute Director Assoc. Dr. Gökhan Ilgaz; Balkan Research Institute Director Assoc. Dr. İbrahim Kelağa Ahmet; Social Sciences Institute Director Dr. Levent Doğan; and numerous NGO representatives and researchers.

Assoc. Dr. Gökhan Ilgaz, recalling that since its founding in 2014 the Institute has carried out many studies, panels, and projects, announced that in 2021 they launched their peer-reviewed journal, the Romani Language and Culture Research Institute Journal. He also noted the publication, under the editorship of Prof. Dr. Emine Dingeç with an introduction by Prof. Dr. İlber Ortaylı, of the book Roma: Histories, Origins, Migration Routes, Languages, Educations, and Traditions.

Ilgaz went on to describe joint work with the Edirne Provincial Directorate of National Education, including this year’s report titled “Contributions of Design and Skills Workshops to the Education of Roma Children: The Edirne Example.” He added that they convened a workshop for teachers in disadvantaged districts to address these children’s educational challenges, with the outcomes to be published soon.

Expressing his delight at adding this panel to the Institute’s portfolio, Ilgaz thanked participants and speakers.

In his opening remarks, Rector Prof. Dr. Erhan Tabakoğlu—highlighting the presidential decree by Recep Tayyip Erdoğan that designated April 8 as World Roma Day in Turkey from 2021 onward—said:

“We take pride in having an active team that addresses Roma studies, language, and culture on a scientific platform. This is an issue that demands reflection and discussion under the banner of disadvantaged groups. Without dividing our people, neighborhoods, or nation, we must value every culture and tradition and ask how to embrace them scientifically. We must consider how to integrate these groups, who often experience learned helplessness, into society in a healthy way; what projects can help them succeed; and especially what we can do for our children’s future. I hope for a future where we manage more holistic, science-based, results-oriented work. I respectfully salute our scholars who will share their knowledge and experience with us, and I wish everyone a successful meeting.”

After the opening speeches, attendees watched the promotional film for the “Ambassadors of the Heart—You Are My Future Choir and Orchestra,” a project by Trakya University recognized nationwide as a model. The panel then proceeded under the moderation of Lecturer Tülay Tekin Yılmaz.

Presentations included:

• Prof. Dr. Emine Dingeç (Kütahya Dumlupınar University), “Legal Regulations Concerning Ottoman Roma in the 16th Century”

• Prof. Dr. Suat Kolukırık (Akdeniz University), “Roma in Turkey: From Past to Present”

• Prof. Dr. Galip Ekuklu (Trakya University), “Health of the Roma: The Edirne Example”

• Dr. İlke Oruç (Trakya University), “Working Life of Roma Women”

The full-day panel, a significant contribution to the academic community, concluded with an evaluation session followed by a Q&A.