from support to outright condemnation. Romanian Roma are associated with vampires and have thought to brought the myth to Eastern Europe from their ancient homeland India. Self-proclaimed "Romani royalty" The Romani community has: An "Emperor of Roma from Everywhere", as Iulian Rădulescu proclaimed himself. In 1997, Iulian Rădulescu announced the creation of Cem Romengo – the first Rom state in Târgu Jiu, in southwest Romania. According to Rădulescu, "this state has a symbolic value and does not affect the sovereignty and unity of Romania. It does not have armed forces and does not have borders". According to the 2002 population census, in Târgu Jiu there are 96.79% Romanians (93,546 people), 3.01% (Romani) (2,916 people) and 0.20% others. A "King of Roma". In 1992, Ioan Cioabă proclaimed himself King of Roma at Horezu, "in front of more than 10,000 Rroms" (according to his son's declaration). His son, Florin Cioabă, succeeded him as king. An "International King of Roma". On August 31, 2003, according to a decree issued by Emperor Iulian, Ilie Stănescu was proclaimed king. The ceremony took place in Curtea de Argeş Cathedral, the Orthodox Church where Romania's Hohenzollern monarchs were crowned and are buried. Ilie Stănescu died in December, 2007. Image gallery Notable people Florin Cioabă, former king of the Gypsies Mădălin Voicu, politician Ion Voicu, violinist and conductor, the father of Mădălin Voicu Johnny Răducanu, jazz musician Damian Drăghici, nai player Cornelia Catangă, fiddle-singer Nicolae Guţă, manele singer Adrian Minune, manele singer Florin Salam, manele singer Vali Vijelie, manele singer Sandu Ciorbă, Gipsy music singer Connect-R, singer Nicole Cherry, singer Bănel Nicoliţă, footballer Marian Simion, Olympic boxer Dorel Simion, Olympic boxer Florin "Rambo" Lambagiu, kickboxer Ioana Rudăreasa, Romanian-Roma abolitionist See also National Agency for the Roma, an agency of the Romanian government dealing with Roma affairs Slavery in Romania List of towns in Romania by Romani population Antiziganism 2006 Ferentari riot References External links Assessment for Roma in Romania Center for International Development and Conflict Management Last Updated December 31, 2003 Come Closer. Inclusion and Exclusion of Roma in Present Day Romanian Society By Gabor Fleck, Cosima Rughinis (Eds.) 2009 . Full text from Google Books Romani in Romania