Two Decades of Research on Roma in Türkiye: Socioeconomic Exclusion, Identity, and State Policies

Abstract

The scholarly investigation of Roma communities in Turkiye has intensified since the 2000s, largely driven by Turkiye's EU accession candidacy and subsequent adaptation process. This alignment, along with internal developments, prompted governments to prioritize Roma issues, implement projects, and issue action plans. The Roma Civil Society Movement in the 1990s further highlighted Roma challenges, resulting in a diverse body of literature. This study critically examines academic literature to map prevailing trends and thematic foci. Key areas of scholarly engagement include the various dimensions of socio-economic exclusion faced by Roma in education, employment, housing, and health. Additionally, scholars analyze how Roma negotiate and resist pejorative representations, construct their identities, and organize to address contemporary challenges. State policies affecting Roma, from past to present, also receive considerable attention. By critically engaging with this scholarship, the present study highlights significant progress and ongoing challenges in Romani Studies in Turkiye, offering insights into future research directions.