Projects to Record and/or Preserve Intangible Cultural Heritage Such as Local Folklore, Traditions, Language, and Knowledge
Leading scholars and activists discussed the challenges and possibilities for community development programs regarding the Roma people of Turkiye. The aim was to share local experiences of community organisation, current data on the Romanies of Turkey and their socio-economic needs (education, health, housing, etc.), as well as opportunities for social entrepreneurship via ecotourism and sustainable small and medium enterprise (SME) sector. Discussions were held on the role of civil society actors in community development, as well as other means of self-organisation based on grassroots, self-help models. Participants included two sitting MPs in the Turkish Parliament who shared their thoughts as political leaders on how the state could help to facilitate further socio-economic inclusion of Turkish Romani communities.
