Ruska Roma

The Ruska Roma (Russian: Руска́ Рома́), also known as Russian Gypsies (Russian: Русские цыгане) or Xaladitka Roma (Russian: Халадытка Рома, romanized: Khaladytka Roma, i.e., "Roma Soldiers"), are the largest subgroup of Romani people in Russia and Belarus. Initially known as Ruska Roma, they live mostly in Russia and Belarus, but also in Eastern and Central Ukraine, the United States, France, and Canada. They formed in the Northwestern part of the Russian Empire from Polska Roma who immigrated to the country in the 18th century.

Ruska Roma are divided into territorial subgroups, whose names come from the locality. For example, Pskovska Roma (from Pskov), Smolyaki (from Smolensk), Siberyaki (Siberian), Zabaykaltsi (Transbaikalian) and Bobri (beavers). Furthermore, Ruska Roma are related to Belaruska Roma: they have a common origin and were traditionally called Xaladitka Roma.

The Ruska Romani language contains Russian, Polish, and German words, as well as some Russian and Ukrainian grammar. Most Ruska Roma are Orthodox Christians.

Role in Russian history

Judging by the language of Russian Roma, their ancestors spent time in Germany and Poland before coming to the East Slavic territories. Sources start mentioning Roma on the territory of Russia from the beginning of the 18th century. For instance, Scottish traveler John Bell wrote about Roma arrivals from Poland, sent away from the Tobolsk region in 1721.

Arrivals became involved in entertainment, playing and singing at large celebrations. During the 19th century, Russian Roma living in Moscow and Saint Petersburg created Romani choirs, which became popular among the Russian urban population. Nomadic Russian Roma engaged in horse dealing and fortune telling.

A drastic change in the life of nomadic Russian Roma took place in 1956 when a Soviet government decree banned Roma from their nomadic lifestyle. They had to settle in houses,. Nowadays Russian Roma often live dispersed, but they tend to look for a house or flat where other Roma are present. Russian Roma prefer to live in private houses, but it is not uncommon for a Russian Romani family to live in a flat.

Notables

• Nikolai Shishkin, Russian theatre personality
• Valentina Ponomaryova, singer, theatre actor
• Timofey Prokofiev, marine infantryman, Hero of the Soviet Union

In popular culture

Film

In the John Wick film franchise, the titular character John Wick (born Jardani Jovonovich) is a former member of the Ruska Roma. In the series, the Ruska Roma are depicted as an organized crime syndicate and member of the "High Table", a collection of underworld crime organizations.

See also

• Kalderash
• Lovari
• Servitka Roma

References

External links

• Russian Roma. Factsheets on Romani culture
• The Kolpakov Trio Brings The Roma Renaissance
• Roma - Minority Rights Group