Gypsies and the Problem of Identities : Contextual, Constructed and Contested

What is the role and responsibility of Romani Studies scholars, and how can those engaged in this field change the situation of Gypsies in the world? In what ways are Gypsy identities contextual, constructed and contested? What are the historical and contemporary challenges that influence the trans-national aspirations of the Gypsy emancipation movement? How do we understand and explain social and cultural boundaries, as they relate to self-consciousness and non-Romani societies? How much do we know about the origins of the Gypsies, and what are the epistemological problems involved in the writing, and re-writing of Romani history? In Gypsies and the Problem of Identities, these and many other topics and themes are explored by a collection of distinguished international scholars . Among these contributors are both well-known names such as Thomas Acton, Ian Hancock, Elena Marushiakova and Vesselin Popov as well as researchers and activists from a newer generation in the field of Romani Studies. This publication is the first in English to highlight the situation of the Gypsies in Turkey and the Middle East.

Adrian Marsh teaches Romani Studies and has carried out research among Gypsy communities in Istanbul, Cairo, Cyprus and elsewhere in the region.
Elin Strand is co-ordinator of the Romani Studies Institute in Gothenburg, and teaches Romani Studies at the University College of Trollhättan (Sweden).