Gypsies in Armenia

Gypsy clans settled in Armenia starting in the 14th century. While some continued on to Europe, many stayed. They lived mainly in Vasburagan, Erzrum, Javakhk and in Tiflis. Called Armenian Tats, they occupied a number of villages until the 19th century. They were also called Bosha (a derogatory term). They began to “Armenize” and Christianize between the 14th and 16th centuries and by the early 19th century they had Armenian identity. Nowadays Gypsies live mostly in Yerevan, Gyumri and in Akhalkalak.

Gypsy clans settled in Armenia starting in the 14th century. While some continued on to Europe, many stayed. They lived mainly in Vasburagan, Erzrum, Javakhk and in Tiflis. Called Armenian Tats, they occupied a number of villages until the 19th century. They were also called Bosha (a derogatory term). They began to “Armenize” and Christianize between the 14th and 16th centuries and by the early 19th century they had Armenian identity. Nowadays Gypsies live mostly in Yerevan, Gyumri and in Akhalkalak.