The Ottoman Empire

For 500 years the Balkan countries formed part of the Ottoman Empire, and a majority of the Romani population lived there. Romani culture still retains numerous traces from the Balkans, as well as from Islam.

Romani people in Smyrna

Romani people in Smyrna in today’s Turkey, formerly the Ottoman Empire. The postcard carries an Ottoman stamp from the early 20th century.

Source: Unknown photographer/ Wikimedia commons.