Monthly Archives: February 2011

Southern Discomfort

Posted on February 28, 2011 by jeremy

Tomorrow I head south to the city of Osh for a few weeks to do work in the Kara Suu bazaar, which supplies Uzbekistan with most of its Chinese-produced goods. I will also be spending my time revisiting the ethnically … Continue reading →

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The Turkmenistan’s (Futile) Push for Trade Supremacy

Posted on February 26, 2011 by jeremy

Being on the other side of the Karakum desert, when it comes to trade Turkmenistan tends to be grouped more with Iran, Turkey, and Azerbaijan while the other Central Asian states (Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan) form another group. While … Continue reading →

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The Rise of the Bazaatropolis?

Posted on February 26, 2011 by jeremy

My good friend and fellow economic anthropologist JR just brought my attention to this article in the Wall Street Journal that outlines the increasing importance of mega-airports their adjacent urban hubs in globalized business. The article uses the term aerotropolis … Continue reading →

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China’s Western Horizon

Posted on February 24, 2011 by jeremy

Working with my Chinese tutor here in Bishkek has given me some new perspectives on the way that trade functions on the other side of the border. Although my tutor is working primarily as a language instructor, he is also … Continue reading →

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Library Woes

Posted on February 16, 2011 by jeremy

The National Library of the Kyrgyz Republic is located less than ten minutes by foot from my apartment here in Bishkek. It’s a building with an imposing staircase and a marble façade. When I moved into my flat I was … Continue reading →

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