Campaigns

Describe your District

Izmit Roma District

We're introducing our district which was founded during the Turkish-Greek population exchange in the lights of information from another reader of ours. An extraordinary Roma district of whose majority is working in the industrial zone.

The foundation years of the district can still be remembered by the local elders. According to what the resident community says, the district was founded by Ataturk, who asked for the exchangees from Salonika to be settled here.

Wedding traditions are still perpetuated in Izmit Roma District. Henna nights (pre-wedding ceremony where women gather), engagements and wedding feasts are held alongside Incesaz (traditional Gypsy musicians/music/instruments). When going to get the bride, drums and darbuka (a small percussion instrument) are played and a jollification takes place.

Because the first residents of the district had already adopted a sedentary life, they didn't have traditional jobs. Since the area is heavily industrialized, much of the population is employed in industries.