Journal Overview
The Albanian Journal of Roma Studies (AJRS) is a peer-reviewed, open-access academic journal dedicated to advancing knowledge and understanding of Romani culture, history, and contemporary issues. Published by the Institute of Romani Culture in Albania (IRCA), AJRS serves as a platform for scholarly discourse on Roma communities in Albania and the broader Balkan region.
Established in 2025, AJRS aims to bridge the gap in academic literature focused specifically on Roma populations in Albania, while also welcoming comparative studies that contextualize the Albanian Roma experience within regional and global frameworks.
Our Mission
Advancing Knowledge, Promoting Understanding
The mission of the Albanian Journal of Roma Studies is to:
- Provide a high-quality platform for scholarly research on Romani culture, history, and contemporary issues
- Promote interdisciplinary approaches to Roma studies
- Encourage the participation of Roma scholars and community voices in academic discourse
- Foster dialogue between academia, policymakers, and Roma communities
- Contribute to the preservation and promotion of Romani cultural heritage
Scope and Focus
AJRS welcomes submissions across a broad spectrum of disciplines, including but not limited to:
Primary Research Areas:
- Cultural Studies: Romani traditions, language, arts, music, and oral history
- Historical Research: Romani migration patterns, settlement history, and historical documentation
- Social Sciences: Sociology, anthropology, political science, and economics of Roma communities
- Education: Access to education, educational outcomes, and innovative educational approaches
- Public Health: Health disparities, traditional healing practices, and healthcare access
- Legal Studies: Rights protection, anti-discrimination legislation, and legal advocacy
Geographical Focus:
While prioritizing research on Roma communities in Albania, AJRS also welcomes comparative studies and research on Roma populations in neighboring countries and the broader European context.
Publication Information
Frequency
AJRS is published biannually, with issues released in June and December each year.
Open Access Policy
AJRS is committed to the principles of open access. All content is freely available without charge to users or their institutions. Users are allowed to read, download, copy, distribute, print, search, or link to the full texts of the articles without asking prior permission from the publisher or the author.
Peer Review Process
All submissions undergo a rigorous double-blind peer review process. Each manuscript is evaluated by at least two independent experts in the relevant field. The review process typically takes 4-8 weeks.
Indexing and Abstracting
AJRS is indexed in several academic databases and is pursuing inclusion in major international indexing services. For a complete list of indexing, please visit our Indexing page.
Editorial Board
The journal is guided by an international editorial board composed of distinguished scholars with expertise in Romani studies and related fields. Our board members represent diverse academic disciplines and geographical regions, ensuring a comprehensive and balanced approach to the journal's content.
For more information about our editorial board members, please visit the Editorial Board page.
History
The Albanian Journal of Roma Studies was established in 2025 by the Institute of Romani Culture in Albania (IRCA) to address the need for a dedicated academic platform focused on Roma issues in Albania. The journal builds on IRCA's decades of work in preserving and promoting Romani culture and advocating for Roma rights.
The inaugural issue, published in June 2025, featured groundbreaking research on Romani language preservation, economic empowerment initiatives, and historical perspectives on Romani migration in the Balkans.
Get Involved
We welcome contributions from scholars, researchers, and practitioners working in the field of Romani studies. Whether you're interested in submitting a manuscript, joining our editorial board, or serving as a peer reviewer, we'd love to hear from you.