Ashkali and Balkan Egyptians

Ashkali And Balkan Egyptians

In the Balkans, the Ashkali (also Hashkali, Aškalije (Ашкалије), Haškalije (Хашкалије)) and Egyptians (Balkan Egyptians, Jevgs, Egjiptjant or Gjupci) are Albanian-speaking ethnic minorities (recognized communities) of Kosovo and Albania. Observers consider them Albanized Romanies, but they do not self-identify as such. Prior to the Kosovo War of 1999, Albanized Roma registered themselves as Albanians. Now they are divided by identifying with two different groups, although the people share a culture, traditions and language (Albanian).

During the Kosovo War, Albanized Roma were displaced as refugees in Albania and the Republic of Macedonia. Albanized Roma formed the Ashkali as an ethnic group in 1999, as they tried to show their pro-Albanian stance and distinguish themselves from the Roma. The latter were considered to be pro-Serbian during the war and thus opposed by the Albanians. Many of the Albanized Roma were then sent to refugee camps with Roma, with whom they did not share the same language and customs.

Albanized Roma formed the ethnic group known as the Egyptians to distance themselves from other Roma in Macedonia. The ethnic identity was adopted by Albanized Roma in Kosovo who wanted to separate themselves both from other Roma and Albanians.