The Life and History of Moldova’s Autonomous Region of Gagauzia

Across the Balkans takes you to the northeastern edge of the Balkan peninsula, to Moldova’s autonomous region of Gagauzia, home to the Gagauz people. They're a small Turkic minority group, and speak a language close to Turkish. Their rights and autonomy are protected by Moldova's constitution, but their tiny region is caught between Russia, the EU and Turkey, all vying for influence. TRT World Correspondent Andrew Hopkins explains.

Across The Balkans, hosted by Nafisa Latic, is TRT World’s programme that focuses specifically on the issues and fault lines shaping Southeast Europe today.

Watch other episodes of ‘Across the Balkans’

[yasintokat]

It does not matter how many kilometers they are away from Turkey. Gagauz will always be closest to Turkish people no matter what!.

[shahinasgarov]

I don't care what religion they believe in. They are oghuz turks and our brothers 🇦🇿

[josephstalin]

Gagauz are Christians orthodox like Slavs and Romanians. But they want autonomy
Actually Gagauz are a mix of turkic tribes from Pontic caspian steppe

[janatamann]

Well actually these Gagauz nation has nothing to do with Russia! They have no border with Russia.Those people are ethnically Turkic tribe, close to people of modern day Turkey, but their religion is orthodox christianity. That’s all. Their mother tongue is not Russian but Gagauzi language! They were forced to speak Russian under Soviet Union and their native language were banned by the communist soviet authorities! This is why most of them are fluent in Russian language today. Sorry to say that but nobody wants to be part of Russia which is an awful state to live in...

[Tengristshaman]

These 13 Turkic people are Western Turkic people : Khalajs, Azerbaijanis, Qashqays, Kumyks, Balkars, Karachays, Noqays, Karaims, Krimchaks, Urums, Tatars, Turks, Gagauzs.

[daenerysmax]

Her last name is literally Vlah and she doesn't speak Romanian?
Edit: I think she does actually understand it and she seems quite progressive

[abhilashpaul]

They are Christians, we Christians cherish our Christian brethren of Gagauzia. ☦️✝️💕💕

[mustafahassan]

Great to see more Christians among ethnicities which are considered 'islamic'. I am also a Christian, however in comparison tot he people from the video, I changed my religion to christianity from islam.

[iamorthodox_gagauz]

We love Russia and Turkiye! ☪️🇹🇷☪️❤️‍🔥☦️🟦⬜️🟥☦️❤️‍🔥☦️🇷🇺☦️

[stoicaflorin]

Primul cuvânt a fost in limba română Bine ați venit Welcome

[sowdha]

Hello guys!Here are your fresh fun facts, Day 24
1:On old 500 rupee notes you can find the picture of titsuji, a malayali syrian christian independence fighter for India
2:Hunza, gilgit baltistan is one of the most Naturally beautiful places in the world
In Uzbekistan the aral sea has been constantly decreasing in size since 2000, It has recently regrown in size a bit due to the outrage over its decrease due to climate change
3:Algeria's border has only around 200 soldiers on guard, the region is in control of Berber militias
4:In Tierra del fuego, Argentina, there are people living on massive glaciers permanently
5:The Siachin glacier is the highest battleground on earth
Also guys, when you come to my comments replies, forget politics, forget communalism, Forget linguistic and racial differences and come to enjoy facts!

[pedrocavalcante]

I am here because of Russia's latest geopolitical movements around this autonomous region. I would like to know if they are pro-Russian or not?

[aramo]

What are generous turkey I hope one day they will show this generosity to Kurds

[pault]

I’m a gagauzian and my parents moved from Komrat, the capital of Gagauzia, I can say that we definitely don’t want to go to Romania and are more inclined for independence. The reason why there is a Turkish cultured people in Moldavia is because they were being persecuted for being Christian at that time and fled Muslim Turkey. That’s just some history from a real gagauzian

[papapeethehunks]

There is no such thing as "help" in geopolitics. It's aptly called "influence."

[josephstalin]

Gaugauzes Turkic. Not Turks
Turkic and turks are different. Stop misusing this

[saddamhussein]

Gaugazia Should Break Away from Moldova and Join Russia.

[LukejbButterworth]

turkey has a system that helps people regardless of ethnicity or religion ??? except if your a Kurd - Yazidi or Armenian or Greek .