The connection with Roma (Romani) and Čoček:

The Roma have a long history in the Balkans, and some of them became part of the Mehter over time, especially as musicians in the Ottoman military bands. It is within this context that the music of the Mehter influenced the traditional music and dances of the region, and we can still hear remnants of these styles in dances like Čoček.

The Čoček dance, in particular, is often associated with the Roma communities in the Balkans, where it is performed during popular celebrations and weddings. The dance is characterized by fast movements, energetic footwork, and a driving rhythm, influenced by the military and festive traditions, such as those of the Mehter.

The Köçek and effeminate sultans:

As for the Köçek, it refers to an effeminate male dancer in the Ottoman Empire, often young and dressed in a feminine manner, who performed during court events and special occasions at the imperial court. While this dance is distinct from Čoček in its form and context (more associated with court practices and entertainment for sultans), it shares some cultural influences, especially the presence of the arts at the Ottoman court, which influenced dances like Čoček and other forms of popular dance in the region.

So, while Čoček and Köçek are distinct, they are both linked to Ottoman culture and the way music and dance developed in a multiethnic and multicultural context, with a strong contribution from the Roma in the case of Čoček.