Indira Alibayeva Shines at CESS Conference with Insightful Research on Neighborhood Businesses

At the recent CESS Annual Conference, Indira Alibayeva, a Postdoctoral Researcher at NURCE, presented her groundbreaking research on neighborhood-based businesses in Shymkent, Central Asia. Her focus on 'mahalla' businesses provided an in-depth look at how these enterprises are intricately woven into the fabric of their communities, thriving within a complex framework of cultural and societal norms.

Alibayeva's findings highlight the unique integration of business practices with ethnic, gender, and spiritual values, offering a nuanced perspective on entrepreneurship in post-Socialist Central Asia. Her research not only sheds light on the economic dynamics of the region but also emphasizes the social roles that these small businesses play in shaping community interactions and building local economies.

The presentation stood out for its detailed exploration of how these businesses adapt and flourish in a region marked by its diverse nation-building efforts and heritage. Philipp Schroeder, another keynote speaker, complemented her insights by linking theoretical frameworks with practical fieldwork, further enriching the dialogue about the socioeconomic landscapes in Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Uzbekistan.