Gypsies in the economy of Turkey: A focus on Gypsy flower sellers in two central districts of Istanbul

Ozatesler G.

NEW PERSPECTIVES ON TURKEY, sa.51, ss.123-146, 2014 (SSCI) identifier

  • Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
  • Basım Tarihi: 2014
  • Dergi Adı: NEW PERSPECTIVES ON TURKEY
  • Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Social Sciences Citation Index (SSCI), Scopus
  • Sayfa Sayıları: ss.123-146
  • Anahtar Kelimeler: Gypsy, flower sellers, informal economy, social exclusion, Istanbul
  • Dokuz Eylül Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet

Özet

This article aims to explore the conditions and roles of Gypsies in the economy of Turkey through a focus on street flower sellers in two central districts of Istanbul, Sisli and Taksim. It proposes a multidimensional analysis that demonstrates different dynamics of social exclusion, socioeconomic and political relations, and agency positions. After first reviewing several approaches to Gypsies' roles in non-Gypsy economies, Gypsies' conditions in Turkey are then examined in relation to their roles in the economy. Finally, their positions in the flower-selling sector in the two districts, Sisli and Taksim, are analyzed through working conditions, socioeconomic dynamics, social exclusion, and perceptions of Gypsyness.