THE ROMA COMMUNITY IN EUROPE: IDENTITY, EXCLUSION, AND CULTURAL RESILIENCE

Abstract

The Roma, Europe’s largest transnational ethnic minority, represent a community whose history spans migration, marginalization, and remarkable resilience. Emerging from Northern India nearly a millennium ago, the Roma have woven a complex narrative of survival across shifting European political and cultural landscapes. Despite persistent exclusion, their traditions, music, and oral histories continue to express a vibrant identity rooted in freedom, kinship, and adaptability. This paper explores the historical origins, social challenges, and cultural contributions of the Roma community, emphasizing the need for inclusive policies and renewed recognition of their role in shaping Europe’s multicultural identity.