The notion of Romani identity is complex and often contested, shaped by layers of ambiguity, myth, and frequently unsubstantiated claims, most of which have been constructed by non-Romani voices. But what does it truly mean to speak of Romani identity? When does it emerge? What elements define it, and how do they come together to form a coherent sense of collective self?
These essential questions are at the heart of the Masterclass’s first module, a thoughtfully crafted component that focuses entirely on exploring Roma identity, and which is curated by the European Roma Institute for Arts and Culture (ERIAC) under the visionary leadership of Timea Junghaus, ERIAC’s executive director.
Like all historical narratives, Romani history is a reconstruction of fragmented evidence—primarily drawn from written sources produced by empires, states, and institutions that rarely, if ever, centered Romani perspectives. This long-standing exclusion has profoundly shaped how Romani history has been recorded, interpreted, and understood.
How have Romani scholars addressed this marginalization? In what ways have contemporary historiographical trends—such as the cultural and linguistic turns, postmodern critique, and the resurgence of narrative approaches—reshaped our understanding of Romani identity and historical experience?
This module convenes leading experts from the fields of history, cultural studies, art, language, and identity politics to engage with these questions and provide new insights into both the historical development and contemporary expressions of Roma identity.
The module is hosted by Dr. Anna Mirga-Kruszelnicka, deputy director ERIAC, who foregrounds the vital role of cultural resilience and memory in shaping a shared Roma identity. For her, reclaiming history is inseparable from reclaiming narrative authority:
“It’s through telling our own stories that we reclaim our history.”
For Dr. Mirga-Kruszelnicka, education holds transformative power: it serves not only as a source of self-affirmation for Roma communities but also as a force for challenging systemic exclusion across society. In her words:
“When Roma children see themselves reflected in textbooks, it shifts everything.”
Looking beyond the recovery of the past, she is a passionate advocate for Roma-led cultural initiatives, viewing them as powerful tools for reshaping public perception and breaking down enduring stereotypes across Europe. Her perspective frames Romani identity not merely as an object of academic study, but as a vibrant, evolving expression of agency, resilience, and forward-looking vision.
Guest Scholars, Module 1 (in order of lectures)
- Dr. Anna Mirga-Kruszelnicka
- Dr. Adrian Marsh
- Dr. Ethel Brooks
- Dr. Raul Cârstocea
- Dr. Alexandru Zamfir
- Dr. Cristian Pădure
- Mihaela Zătreanu
- Timea Junghaus
