Sedentarization of the Gypsy Nomads in the People’s Republic of Bulgaria
Sedentarization of the Gypsy Nomads in the People’s Republic of Bulgaria

Summary/Abstract: Some of the main goals promoted by the Bulgarian Communist Party during the socialist decades (1944–1989) are economic progress and social equality among all Bulgarian citizens. These objectives require a number of changes in the everyday lives of the people of all ethnic groups. The Gypsies – the second largest ethnic minority – are also affected by the new policy. To fit in the new socialist realities, they have to put aside some of their customs, as well as to ‘catch up’ culturally and socially with the ethnic Bulgarians. One of the main traditions that some groups are forced to give up is their nomadic way of life. The ex-nomads have to become integrated into the Bulgarian society, by following in the steps of the majority of the Gypsy population that has already settled down. Using results from detailed archival research, this article aims to follow the reasons, methods, and the results of the abandoning of the old nomadic tradition.

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