Romani or Domari, comprise two groups: the Ghorbati and the Nawari. Both groups speak a dialect of the language called Romany, which is related to Punjabi and Rajasthani, both South Asian languages. Their dialect, Domari, contains many Arabic words. Romani speakers call themselves Rom, which in their language means "men." They derive Rom from the word Dom, meaning "a man of low caste who gains his livelihood by singing and dancing."Romani speaking people originated in India where their ancestors worked as musicians, entertainers, and metal workers. They were discriminated against and excluded from Hindu temples. Later, they were sent to Persia as minstrels. From there, the Romani separated into two groups. One traveled northward and became the Romany-speaking European Romani. The other traveled southward and became known as the Domari, or Middle Eastern Romani. The latter group lives in Turkey and other countries in Central Asia and the Middle East.
A good number of the Romani in Turkey are refugees from Syria's civil war. They live in makeshift refugee camps without clean water or sanitation. The Turkish government doesn't not want to take in more refugees, so they have limited what they will do to help the Romani who have fled the Syrian civil war. Thus, they have to live by collecting recyclables, begging or working for a pittance on farms. Though they have registration cards, many prefer to remain unknown to Turkish authorities. These refugees are usually the Domari who already speak Turkish. If they speak Arabic or Kurdish, they are more likely to flee to countries where people speak the language they understand.
The Romani live scattered throughout much of the world. Most of them are nomads, wandering from region to region, and they depend on a variety of entrepreneurial skills for their livelihood. It is common for Romani to have two or more specialized occupations. This makes it easier for them to adapt to a changing society's needs. When a region's people no longer need a Romani's particular skill, they move on to find another community that needs their skills, be it metal working, entertainment or whatever.
Romani have always been known for their abilities as musicians, singers, and dancers. They also hold a wide variety of other occupations. The men are skilled makers of sieves, drums, bird cages, and reed mats. They also entertain with animals, work as tinkers, or play music. The women sometimes sell such things as cloth, shoes, kitchen utensils, or other products made by Romani men. Many also sing and dance. Both men and women shear sheep, spin wool, and tell fortunes. Some women and children beg for food as a means of survival.
There are Romani villages and communities in the Middle East. Some also live in the cities and have become an integral part of urban life. Other Romani are nomadic and travel in caravans of wagons or carts, or they ride on camels, donkeys or horses. The settled Romani usually live in houses that are typical of the particular region.
Romani marriages usually take place between couples in their teens. Romani people consider sexual purity a must for young women. Before she marries, her family must be proof that she has never been with a man.
The Romani in Middle Eastern or Central Asian countries like Turkey are usually Muslim, and they follow the practices and beliefs of the Islamic faith. The traditional beliefs of the Romani such as that ghosts, lizards, and snakes can harm humans, that men have the power to curse others by giving them the "evil eye," and that some people have the power to heal the sick are no longer held by most Romani. There are a growing number of Christian Romani in Turkey, though they are still a small minority.
The quality of health care, nutrition, housing, and education is poor, especially those who live in refugee camps. Believers with the right skills could be a blessing to the Romani by providing some of these needs. Their nomadic lifestyle has made it difficult for workers to reach them. The Islamic religion is very difficult to influence. All they have are Bible portions in their language. Christian workers need to teach them how to live lives pleasing to God.
Pray for the Holy Spirit to renew and enhance Domari culture for God's glory.
Pray for the Holy Spirit to move among Domari family and community leaders to seek his face and enjoy his blessings.
Pray for the Lord to thrust out workers to nurture a movement to Christ among the Domari people.
Pray that their dire conditions will soon lead the Domari to seek the One True God who yearns to give them the peace and joy of the Lord.
Scripture Prayers for the Romani, Domari in Türkiye (Turkey).
| Profile Source: Joshua Project |
