Research on antigypsyism: Voices of the Sinti and Roma are rising!

Research on antigypsyism: Voices of the Sinti and Roma are rising!

On March 26, 2025, the inaugural meeting of a new research group took place in Flensburg that deals with the topic of antigypsyism and its ambivalences between 1850 and 1950. The initiators of the project are the European University of Flensburg and several other universities. Antigypsyism refers to injustices that have been committed against Sinti*zzes and Roma*nja over generations and is viewed as a form of racism against these communities.

The four-year research project aims to shed light on the historical background, connections and dynamics of antigypsyism in Europe. Prof. Dr. Christiane Hipp, President of the European University of Flensburg, emphasizes the importance of not accepting discrimination. It's about looking at the past in order to better understand the current phenomena of antigypsyism. The project examines, among other things, how representations and ideas reinforce injustice and lead to exclusion and discrimination.

Goals of the research group

The research group pursues two main goals: On the one hand, the exclusion, prejudices and stereotypes that emerged between 1850 and 1950 should be examined. On the other hand, the possibilities for action that Sinti*zze and Roma*nja developed and used during this time are explored. The first phase focuses particularly on the “supposed knowledge” that was constructed about the groups without their involvement. Many important newspapers and magazines published by Sinti*zze and Roma that existed more than a hundred years ago have often been ignored or forgotten.

Nine young scientists from various universities are involved in the project, including Heidelberg, Gießen, Marburg, Regensburg and Flensburg. Prof. Dr. Iulia-Karin Patrut, spokesperson for the research group, emphasizes that understanding the contradictions and historical developments is essential to understand the resilience of antigypsyism. The entire project is about raising awareness about centuries-old discrimination that hangs like a shadow over the history of Sinti and Roma.

Historical perspective and current relevance

Discrimination against Sinti and Roma has a long history, marked by persecution and injustice. During the Nazi era, an estimated 500,000 Sinti and Roma were systematically persecuted, deported and murdered; their human rights were systematically violated. Despite their presence in Germany for centuries, deep-rooted prejudices and discrimination against these groups still exist. Stereotypes are often not connected to the reality of these ethnic minorities, and ignorance of their history contributes to the perpetuation of these prejudices.

Current initiatives, such as the Madhouse organization, are concerned with education in schools in order to reduce prejudices. Benjamin Adler from Madhouse calls for greater inclusion of the topic of Sinti and Roma in the curriculum in order to sensitize and educate children and young people. Around 12 million Sinti and Roma live in Europe, the largest ethnic minority in Europe, whose ancestors come from India and Pakistan.

Legal discrimination against Sinti, Roma and Yenish people is prohibited in Germany, and the state is obliged to protect their culture and identity. However, support for those affected by discrimination often remains inadequate. Artists like RealTschawo use music to raise awareness of Sinti identity and promote integration.

The research group is an important step towards making the challenges and discrimination that Sinti*zze and Roma*nja still experience today visible and leading to the urgently needed discussions. Further information is available on the European University of Flensburg website. University of Flensburg reports that research on antigypsyism plays a crucial role in understanding exclusion and discrimination. Also BR emphasizes that the history of the Sinti and Roma is complex and tragic and that educational work is still necessary.