Inside the Life of a Gypsy Baron: Luxury, Tradition, and Justice

👑Gypsy barons, like Mircea Cerar, hold immense power and influence within the Roma community.

💰The heyday of the Roma community in Soroca was during the Soviet Union, when they became wealthy from various businesses.

🏰Many luxurious houses in Soroca were left unfinished due to the economic downturn in the 1990s.

🌍Roma people engage in petty trade and migrate to various countries for work, seeking better opportunities.

⚖️The Roma community has its own justice system, including a gypsy court that settles disputes and enforces punishments.

What is a gypsy baron?

—A gypsy baron is a highly influential and respected leader within the Roma community, often holding significant power and authority.

Why are there many unfinished houses in Soroca?

—The economic downturn in the 1990s resulted in the abandonment of many construction projects, including the luxurious houses in Soroca.

What do Roma people do for a living?

—Roma people engage in petty trade, buying and selling various goods. They also seek work opportunities in different countries, including Russia and the Caucasus region.

How does the gypsy court work?

—The gypsy court is an alternative justice system within the Roma community. They settle disputes and enforce punishments, often through fines or banishment.

What was the heyday of the Roma community in Soroca?

—The heyday of the Roma community in Soroca was during the Soviet Union, when they achieved wealth and prosperity through various businesses.

00:04The gypsy community has long been associated with stereotypes and myths.

01:28Soroca, Moldova, is often referred to as the gypsy capital, with its luxurious houses and gypsy barons.

03:18Meeting a gypsy baron requires prior arrangement and payment.

09:32Soroca's name translates to 'poor thing' in Moldavian, but it is a city with a rich history and culture.

15:50The Roma community has its own gypsy court, where disputes are settled and punishments are decided.

18:20The collapse of the Soviet Union brought challenges and changes to the Roma community.

20:08A tragic incident in 1992 led to the devastation of a family and forced them to leave Soroca.

21:03The gypsy court serves as an alternative to the ordinary state court, resolving conflicts and maintaining order within the community.