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

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  03 February 2016

Gül Özateşler*
Affiliation:
Department of Sociology, Dokuz Eylül University, İzmir, Turkey

Abstract

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 İstanbul, Şişli and Taksim. It proposes a multidimensional analysis that demonstrates different dynamics of social exclusion, socio-economic 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, Şişli and Taksim, are analyzed through working conditions, socioeconomic dynamics, social exclusion, and perceptions of Gypsyness.

Type
Articles
Copyright
Copyright © New Perspectives on Turkey and Cambridge University Press 2014

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