Social experiments with gypsies and their role in history (Western Europe/Russian Empire/USSR). Pharaonovka and Kair. Decree of October 5, 1956

Abstract

This article focuses on social experiments that took place both in Western Europe, in the Russian Empire, as well as in the USSR, regarding the Gypsies who led a nomadic or semi-sedentary lifestyle. It is known that Russia regularly pursued a policy of introducing Gypsies to a settled way of life, which was typical for most European countries, but in milder forms. Decrees and directives were issued, which often failed. In particular, during the period of the Russian Empire, allotments of land and funds were allocated for development in the settlements of Pharaonovka and Kair in Bessarabia. During the Soviet era, attempts were made to introduce the Roma to life on collective farms (decrees of 1926, 1928), while the Decree of October 5, 1956, forbade the Roma to roam. Today, this decree is perceived by Western researchers only as a procedure of violence. The gypsies themselves consider these measures to be positive, having saved them from a nomadic life that brings misery and desolation, hardships and troubles. The most part of the Gypsies, who abandoned and forgot about nomadism, easily became settled, which later gave them the opportunity to get housing, jobs, and free education. Over time, in the USSR, the Gypsies gradually integrated into society, retaining the main features of their culture.