Toward a History of Social Construction

Abstract

This chapter discusses the historical origins and experiences of Roma and related groups in Anatolia from Byzantine to the Ottoman Empires. Byzantine and Ottoman philosophical beliefs regarding moral order informed administrative controls on subject populations. In particular, social segregational practices implemented during the Byzantine and Ottoman administrative periods facilitated exploitation of Romani labor, particularly for auxiliary military services, agrarian work, commercial trade, and other marginalized services such as entertainment. Social marginalization was reinforced by government edicts and sanctions, and furthered by physical segregation and marginalization into Romani neighborhoods (mahalle). The experience of place from which Roma expressed their sense of belonging to a community was also shaped by their emplacement in the larger social hierarchy. Because most extant writings regarding the history of Roma were in the hands of those institutions wielding political power over Roma, this chapter also explores alternative interpretations of official government texts and church sanctions.