Presentation of New Publications and Recognition of Long-Term Work in Roma Studies for Our Colleagues Elena Marushiakova and Veselin Popov at the Gypsy Lore Society 2024 Conference in Sofia
The International Scientific Conference Gypsy Lore Society 2024 in Sofia provided a rare opportunity to present the latest publications of the highly productive scientific duo Elena Marushiakova and Veselin Popov and to recognize their many years of scientific work. On the second day of the conference, there was a books presentation within the editorial series of Brill Publishing – the Brill Series on Roma History and Culture, which Elena and Veselin founded and serve as editors. Particularly highlighted was their latest publication, Stalin vs Gypsies: Roma and Political Repression in the USSR.
On Friday, September 27, during the roundtable discussion The School and Method of Studii Romani: Scientific and Practical Aspects, organized by Sofiya Zahova from the University of Iceland and Liliyana Kovacheva, Vice-President of the Gypsy Lore Society, the theoretical connections regarding Roma research in Central and Eastern Europe were emphasized – especially with regard to defining Roma as a community and in relation to the majority, state policies toward Roma during socialism, and critiques of some approaches. This contribution confirmed that valuable theoretical approaches have emerged on this topic in this part of Europe as well.
Participants also commemorated the 30th anniversary of the first volume of the collection Studii Roman, the 31st anniversary of the publication Gypsies (Roma) in Bulgaria, and the 33rd anniversary of the founding of the institution Minority Studies Society Studii Romani. All three key moments are connected with the names of E. Marushiakova and V. Popov. Over this period, they have become internationally recognized scholars who, through their conscientious work, support, education, and the establishment of a respected academic school, have earned recognition at several universities and scientific institutions around the world. A significant success of their scientific work is the acquisition of many international projects (such as ERC), and their personal support and sharing of experience, especially with young researchers, in this highly competitive field. The significance of their scientific work was highlighted by participants from various countries and generations of scientists at the roundtable. Their work was also acknowledged in a video greeting by the President of the Gypsy Lore Society and the Director of the Institute of Ethnology and Social Anthropology of the Slovak Academy of Sciences, Tatiana Zachar Podolinská.
Text compiled by Juraj Majo.
Photo 1: From left Veselin Popov and Elena Marushiakova during the presentation of their publications (Plamena Slavova)
Photo 2: Members of the roundtable dedicated to to the School of Thought Studii Romani (Plamena Slavova)
Photo 3: Snapshot of a video greeting from the president of GLS, Tatiana Zachar Podolinská
