The integration of ethnically and socially vulnerable groups into society in Azerbaijan has been a topic of discussion for many years. In this context, the living conditions of the Roma (Gypsy) community, their relations with the local population, and their expectations from state representatives are of particular interest. The increase in the number of this community in various regions, especially around Barda, enhances the relevance of the topic. For this very reason, the survey conducted among deputies is significant in shedding light on the Roma community's position as voters and how their problems are evaluated at the parliamentary level.
According to the latest census conducted in Azerbaijan, 147 Roma live in the country. They are reported to live in Yevlakh, Aghdash, Balakan, and Barda districts, as well as in Baku and Sumgayit.
Modern.az spoke with deputies, whose constituents include Roma (Gypsies), about the community's lifestyle, social problems, and customs.
Ali Masimli, deputy of the 113th Gakh - Shaki electoral district, noted that Roma in Gakh live in Qapichay village:
“Just as every region has its customs and traditions, Gakh also has a beautiful atmosphere, beautiful nature, and beautiful people. At the same time, Gakh holds a special place in our multi-ethnic Azerbaijan in terms of ethnic diversity. Azerbaijani Turks, Ingiloys, Tsakhurs, Lezgins, and representatives of other peoples live in Gakh. Mutual respect and sincere relations have formed among the representatives of the peoples living in Gakh. One such people living in Gakh are the Roma. Roma in Gakh live in Qapichay village.”
The deputy notes that getting acquainted with the lives and activities of the residents during his visit to Qapichay village left a very pleasant impression on them:
“They are very sincere, hardworking people. The Roma have largely integrated with the local population. At the same time, they have preserved their language and traditions. The operation of a school and a kindergarten in Qapichay village has led to significant changes in their lives. After secondary school, they prefer to continue their education towards acquiring their desired art or profession. The population of Qapichay are people loyal to the state and patriotic. Ethnic diversity is a very important richness of Gakh.”
A. Masimli noted that Roma have lived together with Ahiska Turks in Qapichay village for many years.
Nasib Mahamaliyev, deputy of the 110th Balakan electoral district, noted that Roma in Balakan district live in Gülüzanbinə village, located quite far from the center.
“This tribe, brought from Iran during Shah Abbas's campaigns to Georgia, was settled in those territories. Some of them also settled in Güllük village of Gakh district for this purpose. Overall, their numbers in the district are not high. Those living in Balakan are also not part of my electoral district.”
The deputy also spoke about the unique traditions of the Roma:
“During the Soviet era, they were not conscripted for military service, but this tradition ceased during the years of independence. They had their own unique customs and traditions. For example, although Novruz holiday was not officially celebrated during the USSR era, they celebrated this holiday lavishly and in their own distinctive way. Practically, the population of Balakan adopted several elements of Novruz celebration precisely from them. That tribe primarily spent all their annual earnings during the Novruz holiday.”
N. Mahamaliyev said that they were involved in horse theft:
“During the USSR era, they were more prone to criminal activities, especially engaging in horse theft. Alongside this, I am not closely familiar with their customs and traditions, as they have not integrated with the local population. However, as a child, I used to hear from adults that when they married, they would put brides in a sack of flour and beat them. The bride was only released when she swore an oath: that she would beg and take care of her family. There is also a certain organization related to begging among them, and this situation is observed not only in Azerbaijan but in various parts of the world.”
Roma came to Balakan from Yevlakh and Barda:
“In fact, they were nomadic tribes, later transitioning to a sedentary lifestyle. As a result of the policies pursued during the Khrushchev era, especially in the post-war years, Roma in many Russian cities would travel from city to city, from station to station, telling fortunes and engaging in theft, without adhering to any rules. This situation was characteristic of Roma communities who called themselves Romani. Consequently, the Communist Party of the USSR decided that Roma settlements should be established on the outskirts of cities. However, they quickly sold these houses and returned to their old way of life, continuing their traditions.”
Ilham Mammadov, deputy of the 52nd Yevlakh electoral district, noted in an interview with our website that the residents of Yevlakh have already integrated with the Roma. They receive education and work in various public capacities. The deputy also noted that, unlike in other regions, the Roma living here do not engage in fortune-telling.
Asif Asgarov, deputy of the 112th Zagatala electoral district, noted that no Roma live in the regions covered by his electoral district.
Fatma Yildirim, deputy of the 99th Barda electoral district, where Roma are reported to be densely settled and primarily engaged in fortune-telling, as well as Mushfig Mammadli, deputy of the 55th Siyazan–Guba–Khizi electoral district, where they live compactly, were among the deputies who did not respond to our inquiries. Apparently, communication between the deputies of this electoral district and the population is weaker.
