IV. B. The Roma in the Balkans  

LOCKWOOD, William G. “Balkan Gypsies: An Introduction.” In Joanne Grumet, ed., Papers from the Fourth and Fifth Annual Meetings, Gypsy Lore Society, North American Chapter, pp. 91-99. New York Gypsy Lore Society, North American Chapter, 1985.
This excellent study provides a solid overview of the Roma in the Balkans, particularly those in the former Yugoslavia.
POULTON, Hugh. The Balkans: Minorities and States in Conflict. London: Minority Rights Group Publications, 1991.
This fine look at ethnic conflict in the former Yugoslavia, Albania, Greece, and Bulgaria, has only scattered references to the Roma. Its only significant contribution on this group is the demographic information given in the section on Albania.
SOULIS, George C. The Gypsies in the Byzantine Empire and the Balkans in the Late Middle Ages. Dumbarton Oaks Papers, Vol. 15 (1961): pp. 143-65.
This superb article provides an excellent overview of Romany life and culture in the Byzantine empire and the Balkans in the later Middle Ages. It paints a colorful picture of the newly arrived Roma, and draws upon a rich array of primary and secondary sources. It discusses theories concerning their common appellation in all European languages which comes from the Greek Atsinganoi, meaning itinerant fortunetellers, ventriloquists and wizards.


Back        Next