Čoček Over The Land
In the area of Eastern Europe, more precisely Balkan peninsula, one can notice the
pronounced presence of the Roma people and their expressive life. This work has the aim
to present their culture in one specific region, with an accent on the music culture. The
phenomenon of "Gypsy culture” that has been noticed is common to the whole world,
although depending on the geographical location they can have many diferrences and
certain aspects that define a certain subculture.
The idea for this work came from a personal interest in the diversity of musical expressions
in the Balkan peninsula, as well as noticing a constant emphasis on Roma culture and how
part of their community themself see it as a way of action against assimilation. Having a
vast field of material and data to work with presented a quite inviting challenge. Although,
these materials still are not as well collected and organised, which can also resemble the
character of the culture that is being explored here.
pronounced presence of the Roma people and their expressive life. This work has the aim
to present their culture in one specific region, with an accent on the music culture. The
phenomenon of "Gypsy culture” that has been noticed is common to the whole world,
although depending on the geographical location they can have many diferrences and
certain aspects that define a certain subculture.
The idea for this work came from a personal interest in the diversity of musical expressions
in the Balkan peninsula, as well as noticing a constant emphasis on Roma culture and how
part of their community themself see it as a way of action against assimilation. Having a
vast field of material and data to work with presented a quite inviting challenge. Although,
these materials still are not as well collected and organised, which can also resemble the
character of the culture that is being explored here.
The process of collecting information and data was quite extraordinary, whereas besides
the music research, I assumed that direct communication with the Roma community will
bring me closer to their musical culture, values and ways of living. The main mediator in
this work happened to be my former primary school teacher, Mr. Dalibor, who is a current
president of National council of the Roma national minority in the Republic of Serbia. After
a quite productive interview, I've gotten a preferable picture of how Roma view and nurture
their relationship with music.
The semestral work can be divided in two parts: the overall development process which
includes the period of research, information gathering, field work and the final product
itself: an interactive map and its purpose to visually present the shared yet unique cultural
assets among the Balkan region. In fact, that common cultural asset in this case is Gypsy
music. The field work consisted of a visit to Roma community of the city of Kruševac,
Serbia, where Mr. Dalibor led us and brought us closer to Roma populations’ attitude
towards music. The pronounced presence of musical instruments and fanciers of thie
culture of playing instruments could be noticed as well.
the music research, I assumed that direct communication with the Roma community will
bring me closer to their musical culture, values and ways of living. The main mediator in
this work happened to be my former primary school teacher, Mr. Dalibor, who is a current
president of National council of the Roma national minority in the Republic of Serbia. After
a quite productive interview, I've gotten a preferable picture of how Roma view and nurture
their relationship with music.
The semestral work can be divided in two parts: the overall development process which
includes the period of research, information gathering, field work and the final product
itself: an interactive map and its purpose to visually present the shared yet unique cultural
assets among the Balkan region. In fact, that common cultural asset in this case is Gypsy
music. The field work consisted of a visit to Roma community of the city of Kruševac,
Serbia, where Mr. Dalibor led us and brought us closer to Roma populations’ attitude
towards music. The pronounced presence of musical instruments and fanciers of thie
culture of playing instruments could be noticed as well.
With this work I tried to debate a phenomena of excluding countries and borders, trying to
identify one territory through cultural aspect that is present on the mentioned territory.
Debating a musical culture that goes across wider territory. This came for me to conclude
that gypsy cultural music is a common feature for all the balkans, giving it a certain
identity, not restricted by political decisions. This way, one can notice a common identity,
way of unification that brings a great role in uniting people of similar language, origin, way
of life, but different borders.
Highlighting the role of connecting territories through culture is a big part of this project:
with the representation of several musical expressions of the Roma, who do not have their
formed state. This makes Roma population the biggest national minority in Europe, with
over 12 million living across the whole continent, according to European Commission. On
the other hand, it is trying to show the unity of nations to those who have defined the
borders in this territory. Promoting the Roma culture, bringing it to the wider population in
order to break the prejudice and negative assumptions is an important ideological aspect
of this work: bringing readers closer to the not so well – known cultural group.
identify one territory through cultural aspect that is present on the mentioned territory.
Debating a musical culture that goes across wider territory. This came for me to conclude
that gypsy cultural music is a common feature for all the balkans, giving it a certain
identity, not restricted by political decisions. This way, one can notice a common identity,
way of unification that brings a great role in uniting people of similar language, origin, way
of life, but different borders.
Highlighting the role of connecting territories through culture is a big part of this project:
with the representation of several musical expressions of the Roma, who do not have their
formed state. This makes Roma population the biggest national minority in Europe, with
over 12 million living across the whole continent, according to European Commission. On
the other hand, it is trying to show the unity of nations to those who have defined the
borders in this territory. Promoting the Roma culture, bringing it to the wider population in
order to break the prejudice and negative assumptions is an important ideological aspect
of this work: bringing readers closer to the not so well – known cultural group.
