The Roma community in Turkey faces discrimination in various fields, including employment, education, health, and social life. After Turkey's application for the European Union and negotiation for membership, the issue of social inclusion of Roma came up and serious steps were taken by the Government.

Although the origins of Roma associations can be traced back to the second half of the 19th century, their spread occurred after World War II. The "First World Roma Congress," held in London from April 8-12, 1971, marks a turning point in the history of Roma associations.

In Turkey, the formation of associations began in the early 2000s. This was due to the 5th article of the Associations Law in the 1990s, which prohibited the establishment of associations based on "race, religion, sect, culture, or differences." The reorganization of this article in 2004, coupled with the flow of funds from the European Union to Turkey, gave a significant boost to the formation associations.

In 2004, the first association was established under the name "Edirne Çingene Kültürünü Araştırma, Yardımlaşma ve Dayanışma Derneği" (Edirne Association for Research, Assistance, and Solidarity of Gypsy Culture). The association's purpose is described as "bringing together the Roma living in Edirne under one association roof, seeking solutions to their problems, and working to eliminate prejudices against Roma in society."

As mentioned, the steps taken by the European Union, particularly in the 1990s, to improve the living conditions of Roma led to the creation of associations and organizations, and also encouraged countries like Turkey, which was in the process of joining the European Union, to focus on the issue. Thus, with the support of the IPA (Instrument for Pre-Accession Assistance), social inclusion projects targeted at Roma citizens have begun to be implemented. The increase in the association of Roma occurred with the "Roma opening” (“Roman açılımı”).

After the official recognition of the problems faced by the Roma in 2009, the efforts for improvement in this area are referred to as the "Roma Opening”. The "Roma Opening," announced in 2009, encompasses a series of research initiatives by the Ministry of Family and Social Policies aimed at improving the rights of Roma minority and their living conditions.

The report of the "Roma Opening," which was attended by a 120-person Roma group consisting of representatives from 5 federations and 80 associations across 36 provinces of Turkey. It included requests from the Roma community such as: "making legal amendments to classify discrimination against them as a crime, including Roma issues in Friday sermons, incorporating information about Roma in textbooks, providing scholarships to individuals who gain university admission, ensuring social security for musicians, and having TOKİ (Housing Development Administration) build small but gardened houses for Roma." 

At the Roma Opening organized by the Government of Turkey within the framework of the Democratic Initiative, participants were asked to share their opinions, thoughts, and suggestions under the following 4 session headings:

1. Roma Between the Past and the Future,

2. Roma and Civil Society Organizations,

3. Coexistence, Multiculturalism, and Roma,

4. Common Sense and Search for Solutions.

In the seminar, which took place in an atmosphere of mutual dialogue participants expressed the problems they faced and their demands.

When the issue of demolitions under the Urban Transformation project in Sulukule, one of the oldest settlements of the Roma in İstanbul, began to spread, many activists and artists, including academics, organized protests to stop the demolitions.

As with many vulnerable groups, a unified approach is required to solve the problems faced by Roma citizens. In this regard, it is of great importance for public institutions to implement programs and practices for Roma citizens in cooperation with other State institutions, civil society, and within their respective areas of responsibility.

However, Turan Şallı, head of the Edirne Roma Education Volunteers Association noted that despite nine years passing, the problems faced by the Roma community remain unresolved. He criticizes the lack of concrete improvements, stating that the "Roma Opening" remained a rhetorical gesture without real social or economic impact. He highlights ongoing discrimination in education, employment, health, and housing and calls for genuine social integration efforts. Şallı also criticizes the 500 Roman associations in Turkey, accusing many of being politically motivated rather than addressing the real needs of the Roma. He argues that current government policies focus on temporary aid rather than addressing systemic poverty.

Under the rule of Erdoğan and the AKP government, these issues have worsened, despite promises made during election campaigns that were never fulfilled. One prominent example is the destruction of Sulukule, a historic Roma neighborhood, under the guise of urban transformation, displacing many Roma families. And this is how „Roma Opening“ was officially announced to the public by the Prime Minister of that era, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan:

„Sometimes they call you "Shapar." Sometimes they call you "Elekçi." Some call you "Abdal." Others refer to you as "Matrip" or "Bala." They might call you "Poşa" or "Gurbet." Some say "Aşık," others "Cano," or "Zanaatkar." They may refer to you as "Çigan" or "Cipsi." Some say "Çingan," while others say "Çingene." Whatever they call you, regardless of the name or title they use, you are Romani, meaning you are human, you are alive. You are my Romani brothers and sisters.“

Despite the government's rhetoric about "Roma Opening" during election periods, these promises serve as nothing more than a tactic to secure votes. The Roma community, which has been marginalized for decades, continues to face oppression and exclusion in every aspect of life, further deepening their struggle for basic rights and dignity.

Despite a number of problems, efforts are being made to integrate the Roma into society through social inclusion projects. Collaborative efforts between Government agencies and civil society are crucial for addressing the various issues faced by the Roma. It is hoped that these efforts will contribute to the better integration of the Roma community into society and the protection of Roma rights.