This book uncovers the previously unexplored involvement of Gypsies in the Bulgarian Army from 1878 to 1945, highlighting their participation in wars for national unity and liberation. The Bulgarian armed forces recruited thousands of young men from diverse ethnic and religious backgrounds, including Gypsies. The army's role extended beyond military training; it fostered tolerance and understanding among various groups, demonstrating that xenophobia and extreme nationalism were absent in Bulgarian society. The loyalty of minority communities, including Gypsies, contributed to this environment. During World War II, Gypsies in Bulgaria and its annexed territories faced neither genocide nor repressive measures, with many serving actively as soldiers. The book also traces the migration of Gypsies from India to Europe and their military roles throughout the Byzantine Empire, Ottoman Empire, and Medieval Bulgaria. Authors Velcho M. Krustev and Evgeniya I. Ivanova, associate members of the Bulgarian Ethnology section at the Institute of Folklore and Ethnography, focus on the history and culture of the Romani people, advocating for their social integration in Bulgarian society through research and accessibility to their cultural heritage. ISBN 978 3 86288 727 9. LINCOM Cultural Studies 15. 376pp. 2016.
