MOCCA: Multilevel Orders of Corruption in Central Asia

But then there is the historic significance of Uzbekistan as part of the old silk route that cannot be missed and had to be visited as well. Samarkand and Bukhara were top of my list. Growing up in Pakistan, our history is tied closely to Central Asia. Our ancestors, the Mughals, came to the subcontinent from Uzbekistan and are direct descendants of Amir Temur, the founding father of the nation. It was interesting to relive my history lessons during my visit and explore shared history and narratives that highlighted the importance of several cities and locations in Pakistan.

Having a natural pull towards academia, I really enjoyed my visit to Bukhara which is known as the city of Madrasahs. Today, using the word madrasahs denotes a place of religious instruction, however that is not true as the madrasahs are traditional variant to what we call a university today. Bukhara was quite charming as a historic hub of science and learning with the number of specialized madrassahs and the scholars it was home too. In Samarkand, visiting the astronomical observatory that laid the foundation of modern astro-physics was a treat. This learning and growing is also reflected today in the number of universities in Uzbekistan and the evolution that the country is going through.

At the end of the day, MOCCA project was instrumental in introducing me to a new country, culture, making new friends and connections on a personal and professional level that I carry forward. Thus, I don’t think this small reflection will do justice to my time in Uzbekistan, and I look forward to returning on subsequent opportunities.

By Scott Abel, researcher from the Estonian Business School

I am Scott Abel, a PhD student and lecturer at the Estonian Business. I had just arrived in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, in November 2024 for my secondment at the OSCE Academy, and the taxi that picked me off at the airport had just dropped me off at the flat I had rented for my month’s stay about a block away from the university.

It turned out that my first taste of corruption in Central Asia for the MOCCA project wasn’t going to be theoretical.

Although I had booked my flat through Booking.com and was supposed to have my credit card billed, my landlord, a Russian, demanded cash in broken English instead for the month’s payment. He seemed surprised that I thought it would be taken by Booking.com instead. Fighting jet lag after a 12-hour door-to-door flight overnight from Tallinn I finally convinced him to give me a day, and I would pay him the rent in cash.

I should have gone to a bank, but not knowing my way around, I instead drained an ATM with multiple withdrawals to get the correct amount of Kyrgyzstani som. However, the largest note was 1,000 som out of the machine (1 euro is about 90 som), so the stack of bills for the rent took two hands to hold onto.

This became an issue when the landlord returned the next night. I had sent him an agreement by email that I typed up stating that I had paid him the agreed amount, converted with the official exchange rate. Not only had he not read it, but he showed up drunk and, with that, had lost any ability to speak English. So we carried on a terse conversation on my phone through Google Translate. He signed the document, and I counted the cash out in front of him. He then wanted to count it himself, but he couldn’t do the math in his current state. Then, after trying several times and giving up, he then wanted to question the exchange rate on the document he had already signed.

At some point, as the landlord, who had the body of a basketball player and at least 10 centimeters on me, got more agitated, I slipped a kitchen knife into my back pocket, as I was getting very concerned that this meeting would go sideways.

But all of a sudden, he decided it wasn’t worth it anymore and departed. So, in the end, it worked out, with just a little stress and drama added on for me so he didn’t have to pay a 10% state tax. I did shut off my credit card as a precaution, however, and made sure that was the last time I saw him during my month’s stay.

My intent in my research project was to essentially duplicate a study that I had just finished in Estonia, where I interviewed a couple of dozen veteran journalists and managing editors at local media houses about how they think about their profession. The questions I asked were built on a hierarchy of topics, from micro (individual perspectives) to macro (the legal and ideological underpinnings of media practice), and the result ended up collecting an enormous amount on their perceptions of corruption and how to combat it. After figuring out the process in my Estonian study, I thought it would be a good way to approach the topic in Bishkek.

But as the American boxer Mike Tyson once famously said, “Everyone has a plan until they get punched in the face.”

Initially, I couldn’t get anyone to talk to me. With Estonian journalists, that was no problem. However, in Kyrgyzstan, several journalists and society activists had been jailed by the government in the months leading up to my secondment, and the journalists I reached out to didn’t respond to my inquiries.

By the end of my second week, I was seriously concerned I would be leaving the country without any research being done, so I started to re-evaluate my approach. Before coming to Kyrgyzstan, I had looked at a research article where the author had gone to the Ashgabat market in Turkmenistan and interviewed vendors about their day-to-day encounters with corrupt officials and police. I thought that was a very elegant way of getting around governmental restrictions.

So, I started looking for my own local advantages, and I found them first at the OSCE Academy. The school is more than 20 years old and has students from all over Central Asia and beyond for its programs in economics, politics and security, and human rights. In my first couple of weeks, I participated in a couple of the courses, met some of the students, and started formulating an alternative research agenda.

Instead, I decided to work with what I had, which was a collection of Gen Z-aged students that I could interact with face-to-face. I started asking a few of them for interviews about what kinds of corruption they have faced in their lives in their home countries, from education, governmental administration, the private sector, and even in sectors like sports. Once I got rolling, I was able to expand to other local universities (there are between 20 and 40 institutes of higher learning in the city, depending on your criteria, and several major ones within easy walking distance of the Academy). Once I had done a few interviews, snowball sampling, where you get interviewees to recommend other people, had me doing multiple interviews a day lasting between an hour and 90 minutes each.

But in week three, I caught a lucky break on my original concept with Kyrgyzstani journalists. The OSCE Academy held a two-day Security Conference in December, and the friendly and gregarious interim director of the Academy, Pal Dunay, asked me to moderate a panel on cybersecurity. After the panel session was over, two local journalists who were in attendance introduced themselves and chatted me up. After consenting to be interviewed, they introduced me to others, so my final week was full of meetings with local media figures.

When I left in late December, I had been able to gather roughly half of the interviews that I needed for the study I intended (which I still want to complete this year), and all the interviews I need for the study that I came up with on the fly.

What did I learn that I wish I had known going in my experience? When using people as your source of data in Central Asia, it’s paramount that you describe in detail how you are going to use their data and how it will be reported upfront. Most would generally talk about their country and their hometown, but some, for example, from Turkmenistan, were in real fear of anything they said blowing back on them or their families back home, so I drew up a contract that stated specifically how the data would be used (for example, a transcript would be created from a voice recording, and then the audio would be erased; no personal demographic information, like age or sex, would be collected). In my case, I didn’t even write down their names and gave them anonymity aside from an interview number.

Second, I never got an interview with either of my target topics only through email, but only with personal interaction and referrals. Assuaging their concerns about privacy and having others vouch for my process was the only way for my interpersonal research process to succeed.

In a broader context, the sooner you figure out transport, the more efficiently you can use your time in Bishkek. Google Maps is useless there; 2GIS is the standard, and once you have that you can use the bus system efficiently. Yandex is the standard taxi app, but it was blocked on my phone, but there is an alternative called inDrive, in which you submit bids for a ride, and once I had that, that opened up the city for me. Azamat Satarov in the main office was my go-to person in addressing my tech problems, and Aiganysh Niyazalieva answered all of my other ones about the town, and helped me get set up in the Academy.

The one regret I have is the time of year I went. Kyrgyzstan is a lovely, mountainous country, and Bishkek sits at the base of the Kyrgz Ala-Too range. However, during the winter months, the combination of low-octane petrol, coal burning, and a lack of wind circulation at the base of the range can make the air pollution terrible. Even though the mountains are only a few kilometers away, on bad days, I simply couldn’t see them, and the stench was … something. On my last day, Bishkek had the worst air quality of any city in the world. I hope to go again soon, but it won’t be in winter.

The best part of my secondment was parachuting as a stranger into a strange land, and thrusting myself into a situation where I had to adjust my tactics to make my strategies work. The OSCE Academy personnel were gracious hosts, and the students I got to know were some of the best the countries of Central Asia have to offer. I hope some of you reading this choose this option for your secondment. Please feel free to drop me an email at the Estonian Business School if you’d like me to answer your own questions.

by Nazgul Baigabatova and Aliya Kashaganova, Zhetysu University (Kazakhstan)

Between 1 November and 30 December 2024, we completed a two-month secondment at Lund University, Sweden, as part of the MOCCA project. This research stay was an important milestone in our research career, providing a unique opportunity to deepen our knowledge, exchange experiences with colleagues and establish useful international connections.

Ranked 75th in the QS World Rankings and 95th in the Times Higher Education 2024 rankings, Lund University is one of the world’s leading universities. Renowned for its interdisciplinary approaches and international co-operation, the university has been an inspiring place for us as researchers and has opened new horizons for academic endeavours.

Lund University was founded in 1666 and has since become a symbol of academic success. This university attracts students and scholars from all over the world due to its reputation and achievements in various fields of study, including social sciences and humanities.

We interned in the Department of Sociology of Law, which is one of the leading departments in the university and is renowned for its interdisciplinary research in law, sociology and politics. This Department became an important centre for us, where we were able to learn about the latest methods and approaches in research practice, as well as to gain a deeper understanding of the current social and political issues we are studying in Kazakhstan.

We had an excellent opportunity to present and discuss the preliminary results of our research on the MOCCA project to other colleagues from different countries. Nazgul Baigabatova gave a presentation on ‘Legal and policy hurdles in attaining Kazakhstani citizenship’. During the presentation, based on the results of field research, she highlighted in detail the main legal, administrative barriers, social problems and corruption risks faced by ethnic immigrants in obtaining Kazakhstani citizenship. Aliya Kashaganova presented a report on ‘Corruption in the secondary education system in the Zhetysu region’. In her report she detailed the problems of corruption in the educational system and analysed their impact on the quality of education in the region. Our presentations provoked heated discussion, became the basis for constructive exchange of opinions and formulation of new ideas that we will be able to use in our scientific and practical activities.

In addition, we had a great opportunity to participate in various academic activities of the Department of Sociology of Law, which was an important element of our internship. During the secondment we attended several guest lectures, seminars and workshops, which allowed us to deepen our knowledge and exchange experiences with leading experts from different countries:

– ‘The making of a pariah class: activist lawyers’ experiences of post-imperial chauvinism», Hilary Sommerlad (University of Leeds) – the seminar addressed important issues of rights of marginalised groups and human rights activism in post-imperial transformations;

– ‘MOCCA Workshop on Interdisciplinary Approaches and Methods to Understanding and Combatting Corruption: Theory, Practice and Policy-Making’, Department of Sociology of Law at Lund University;

– ‘Practical Use of AI for Researchers in Sweden’,  Abderisak Adam (Chalmers University of Technology), which looked at applications of artificial intelligence in social and humanities research;

– ‘Research Seminar in Sociology of Law: Imperialism and Constitutional Law», Chris Thornhill (University of Birmingham);

– a seminar at which MOCCA project participants from Kazakhstan and Estonia made their presentations. The first was ‘Educational Governance, Corruption and Student Achievement in Post-Communist Countries’, presented by Faisal Mohammed from the Estonian Business School. The second was ‘Economic Aspects of the Impact of Corruption on Infrastructure in Kazakhstan’, presented by Dinara Rakhmatullaeva and Talifa Mansurova from the Eurasian Institute for Interdisciplinary Studies.

Participation in these events significantly broadened our scientific horizons, allowed us to get acquainted with new trends and tools of research strategy.

An important factor for us as researchers was the environment, first of all the people who were with us during these two months and of course the city.

The city of Lund, founded in the 10th century, located in southern Sweden, is one of the oldest and most atmospheric cities in the country, with a rich historical heritage and a unique cultural atmosphere that has created an ideal environment for scientific work. The majestic medieval buildings, the famous Lund Cathedral, picturesque parks and cosy streets of the city have created an inspiring environment that fosters creativity in solving scientific problems. Lund is not only famous for its history, but is also actively innovating in urban development, combining ancient architecture with modern technology and sustainable practices. This amazing combination of tradition and progress has become a great basis for work and personal growth. Lund is a city where the comfortable and dynamic environment, both for living and working, allowed us to focus on research, immerse ourselves in interdisciplinary studies and make the most of every moment of the secondment.

The secondment was not only an important stage in our professional development, but also a source of many inspiring moments, we found new friends and like-minded people here.

We express our sincere and deep gratitude to the Principal Investigator of Project Rustamjon Urinboyev and his whole team for excellent organisation and support at every stage of the secondment. For two months we became a part of the Department where these wonderful people work.

From the first days of the secondment, we felt how carefully every aspect of the programme had been thought through. Professor Rustamjon Urinboyev demonstrated a high level of professionalism, attention to detail and sincere interest in our research. Each of us had the opportunity to feel part of a friendly and motivated team, which was the key to our success.

The secondment at Lund University was not only a valuable academic experience for us, but also a stage of professional growth. We came to the conviction that international co-operation and exchange of ideas are necessary to address the complex issues we face in Kazakhstan. This experience has given us new ideas that we will implement in our academic and practical activities.

In the future, we plan to apply the knowledge and skills we have gained to advance scientific research. We will actively work on publications, organise workshops and dialogues with public and political figures to ensure that our research has practical implications for improving life in our country.

by Patrik Olsson, from Lund University

Arriving at 04.10 am to Tashkent on a cold morning October 16, the mission was plentiful but first and foremost to participate in an international conference with nationwide broadcasted discussions in relation to past- and ongoing legal reforms and the democratic development in Uzbekistan.  The international conference that I participated in on “Development of Free Civil Society and Non-Governmental Non-Profit Organizations” was held in Tashkent on October 18 and 24, 2024, as part of International Cooperation Initiative Week. Foreign and domestic experts, state bodies, non-governmental and non-commercial organizations, scientific representatives, and political party activists all attended the conference. At the conference, Uzbekistan’s reforms in the way of democratic development, in particular, fundamental changes in the field of civil society, the country’s achievements in terms of openness and transparency were brought to the attention of the world community. Original source: https://strategy.uz/index.php?news=1981

My participation was made possible on an invitation from the Development Strategy Centre and moreover very well managed by TSUL and the Ministry of Justice in Uzbekistan. During the intense and interesting visit to Tashkent I was involved in numerous meetings and presentations with professionals, policy makers, authorities, think tanks, INGOs, CSOs, organizations and students ranging from Universities like TSUL, NUU and the Law Enforcement Academy and representative from the GPO. Due to the kindness and eagerness of assisting foreign colleagues I was also able to collect relevant research material for upcoming articles and projects while also participating in TV-interviews regarding the then forthcoming elections for the Uzbek Parliament, October 27 in 2024, that was both nationally broadcasted and on CNN.

A common denominator in all discussions, presentations and meetings was the progress of anti-corruption- and rule of law work and the various mechanisms attached to this area. Uzbekistan is rapidly changing form in terms of living quality, infrastructure, transparency, modernization, the political landscape and openness to mention some aspects concerning the daily life for Uzbeks. The Law Enforcement Academy with its director Evgeniy Kolenko has invested in new state-of-the-art facilities becoming and technological know-how, which will most likely make the Law Enforcement Academy an important hub for training prosecutors in Central Asia and the region.

by Zamir Aiylchyev, from the Anti-Corruption Business Council under the President of the Kyrgyz Republic.

From October to December 2024, I participated in a research secondment at the Institute of International Relations and Political Science (IIRPS) at Vilnius University in Lithuania. The primary goal of this secondment was to study the experiences of Lithuania and the Baltic states in preventing and combating corruption. I chose Lithuania as my research destination because of the remarkable success of Lithuania and the Baltic states in reducing corruption and improving governance. Their accession to the European Union in 2004 played a key role in strengthening transparency, the rule of law, and effective governance, significantly reducing corruption levels. According to Transparency International’s 2023 Corruption Perceptions Index, Estonia ranked 12th globally with a score of 76, Lithuania ranked 34th with 61 points, and Latvia ranked 36th with 60 points. These results reflect the impact of strong political will, effective legal frameworks, and the integration of digital transformation.  The lessons from the Baltic states provide a valuable model for Kyrgyzstan. By adopting and adapting these practices, Kyrgyzstan can improve the transparency of public services and achieve a better position in international rankings.

About the Institute of International Relations and Political Science (IIRPS) The IIRPS is one of Lithuania’s most prestigious academic institutions, operating as part of Vilnius University, which was established in 1579. Founded in 1992, the institute focuses on training professionals and conducting research in international relations, political science, and related fields. The institute offers:

– Bachelor’s Programs: Providing foundational knowledge in political science and international relations.

– Master’s Programs: Offering advanced studies in political analysis, international security, and specialized areas of international relations.

– Doctoral Programs: Supporting research and advanced academic work in political science and related disciplines.

The  Institute of International Relations and Political Science IIRPS promotes research in key areas such as political, social, and economic changes in the post-Soviet region, European international law, and diplomacy. The institute collaborates closely with domestic and international organizations, governments, NGOs, and universities. It also participates in exchange programs within frameworks like the European Union and NATO, hosting international conferences, seasonal schools, and thematic seminars. During my secondment, I attended five to six key seminars and connected with a diverse group of people, including professors, researchers, and students from Europe and Central Asia. These interactions allowed me to share insights about Kyrgyzstan’s culture and political system while learning from others’ perspectives.

On November 21, 2024, I met with representatives of the Lithuanian Special Investigation Service (STT). Originally planned with Deputy Director Mr. Egidijus Radzevicius, I instead met with Ms. Dovile Barole, a Senior Specialist in the International Relations Department, due to schedule changes. The meeting offered valuable insights into STT’s work. Established under the 2000 “Law on the Special Investigation Service,” the STT is tasked with investigating corruption offenses, developing preventive measures, and promoting transparency. The agency also has a dedicated Prevention Division focusing on raising public awareness and enhancing anti-corruption mechanisms.

On November 26, 2024, I met Ms. Ingrida Kalinauskene, Head of Transparency International’s Lithuanian Chapter. This meeting, facilitated by my colleague Professor Konstantinos, provided in-depth information about Lithuania’s strategies for combating corruption. Ms. Kalinauskene highlighted the importance of political will in driving anti-corruption reforms. I shared how similar political will has been demonstrated in Kyrgyzstan under President Sadyr Japarov, who established the Anti-Corruption Business Council in 2021. This council spearheaded the development of the National Anti-Corruption Strategy for 2025–2030, aiming to strengthen political stability, boost economic growth, and improve Kyrgyzstan’s international standing.

On December 13, 2024, I delivered a seminar titled “What is the Secret Behind the Baltic States’ Success in Combating Corruption?” at the IIRPS. The seminar compared the anti-corruption approaches of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania with those of Kyrgyzstan. While the Baltic states have successfully implemented strong legislation, political determination, and digital tools, Kyrgyzstan’s recent reforms show promise but still require significant progress, as evidenced by its 141st ranking in Transparency International’s 2023 index. The seminar offered practical recommendations for enhancing Kyrgyzstan’s anti-corruption efforts.

When I arrived in Vilnius, adjusting to the city’s climate and living conditions was very easy. The climate in Vilnius is similar to that of Bishkek, the capital of Kyrgyzstan, which made the adaptation process smooth and effortless. Vilnius is a city rich in history, with its roots tracing back to the 14th century. It was first mentioned in written records in 1323 by Duke Gediminas. During that period, Vilnius emerged as a major hub for trade, politics, and culture in Eastern Europe. By the 15th and 16th centuries, it had become the administrative and cultural center of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania. Merchants, craftsmen, and people of various ethnicities traveled to Vilnius from as far as Crimea and different corners of Europe. The city saw the development of schools, churches, palaces, and a thriving cultural and scientific scene.

Today, Vilnius stands out with its modern infrastructure, ancient churches, and welcoming residents, creating an ideal environment for research and professional development. In 1994, the Old Town of Vilnius was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. This historic district features medieval architectural landmarks, baroque-style churches, and buildings of great historical significance. The political and socio-economic landscape of Vilnius has been significantly influenced by the First and Second World Wars. The city experienced occupations, alliances, and divisions, repeatedly coming under the control of neighboring powers. In 1940, Lithuania became part of the Soviet Union, but in 1990, the country regained its independence, with Vilnius reestablished as the capital of a sovereign Lithuania. Today, Vilnius is one of the leading cultural, economic, and educational centers in the Baltic region. Vilnius is not only rich in history and culture but also a city of learning. Thousands of international students come to Vilnius University every year to pursue their education. I was particularly impressed by the university’s advanced libraries, state-of-the-art classrooms, and overall conducive environment, which significantly facilitated my research activities. The city’s inclusive atmosphere and focus on fostering international collaboration made my work highly productive, allowing me to gain valuable experiences and expand my network. Vilnius truly stands out as a city where history, culture, and modern academic excellence merge, offering a unique experience for both visitors and residents alike.

I would like to take this opportunity to express my profound gratitude to the entire team at the Institute of International Relations and Political Science of Vilnius University for their comprehensive support and assistance during my business trip. In particular, I extend my sincerest thanks to Professor Konstantinos of Vilnius University, Ms. Rasa Bortkevicute, Head of the Research Department, and Mr. Benas Putrimas, Research Communications Coordinator, for their invaluable help throughout my stay.

I would also like to extend my profound gratitude to the Department of Sociology of Law at Lund University and the project team for their professionalism and high-level support in successfully organizing this visit under the MOCCA project.

The insights and knowledge gained during this experience will play a crucial role in strengthening Kyrgyzstan’s efforts to combat corruption and improve governance.

by Ismatulloev I.U., guest researcher from Tajik State University of Commerce

According to the invitation from the MOCCA (Multilevel Orders of Corruption in Central Asia) project and the prior agreement with the project partner universities,  I spent two months of my next secondment in two partner universities  – Lund University in Sweden and Charles  University in the Czech Republic.

It was my second stay in Lund. The secondment  was already on another level, there was no need to get to know the city and the university. Therefore, this time we were fully involved in the research: very important meetings with the project coordinators and consultants, reviewing the work already done and discussing the detailed content and chapters  of future activities. As my impressions of Lund and Lund University already been published, this time I decided to write about Prague and Charles University.

From September 17 to October 20, we continued our secondment  at the Charles University in  the Czech Republic. The project representatives from Charles University, especially Anna Jordanova planned our visit in advance and took care of the organizational issues before we arrived in Prague, for which we are very grateful.

During the secondment at Charles University in Prague, the first thing that comes to mind is the historical aspect of the city of Prague. To be honest, I have never seen such a historical city in my life, where every street and corner reminds of its history. In all corners of Prague, you can see only history, ancient buildings, castles, manors and statues and monuments of different eras. Charles Bridge, Vatslav Square, Old Town, Old Prague Castle, Old Square, Prague Astronomical Clock and dozens and hundreds of other historical monuments that cover the whole city, and  in every corner of the city, you will only breathe history and feel history.

The Charles University  is also a part of this history and was founded in 1348 by Charles IV and is considered one of the oldest universities in Central and Eastern Europe. It is said that Prince Karl, who was only 33 years old at that time, studied in France, regularly attended lectures and studies at the Sorbonne University, and always dreamed that such a university would be established in his country.

Currently, more than 50,000 students study at Charles  University, more than 10,000 of them are foreign students.

Our secondment took place mainly in the Faculty of Social Sciences and the Institute of International Studies. You enter the faculty library, which is very large and spacious and consists of four floors, from the entrance hall of the faculty. The scientific resources of the library are very rich, and from there it is possible to find the books and sources of the libraries of other universities in a virtual way.

At the beginning of the Secondment, we participated in the first organizational meeting of the department, which was held after the vacation, and also participated in a seminar on the topic of a new research method called autoethnography, and learned about this modern research method.

Then a series of meetings were held with teachers and professors of the departments of the Faculty of Social Sciences, as well as representatives of the departments of enterprise economy and international business (as well as from the Metropolitan University of Prague and the Higher School of Economics). In these meetings, useful and exchange conversations were held on the topics of the studied subjects and educational materials.

There were so many meetings and places visited that there was not enough time for some important events, such as visits and meetings at the Center for Knowledge and Technology Transfer of Charles University. Yes, not only from the history, but even you don’t get enough to gain experience in research and academic  affairs  at Charles University in Prague.

by Khasan Sayfutdinov, Senior Lecturer at Westminster International University in Tashkent

Living Cost in the Istanbul

The cost of both accommodation and daily expenses increased in Istanbul. In 2024, Istanbul climbed 55 spots to become the 130th most expensive city for expatriates. Rents in Istanbul surged by 301%, while in Ankara, tenants faced an average increase of 141%.[1]New Airbnb regulations[2] also imposed which states that Hosts renting entire real estate properties (e.g. entire homes, apartments) for less than 100 nights must obtain a Permit Certificate for Touristic Rental of Residence (“Konutun Turizm Amaçlı Kiralanmasına Ilişkin İzin Belgesi”). The permit needs to be obtained regardless of the purpose for which the accommodation is rented (e.g. education, health, work, etc.). In the beginning, it was difficult to find hosts who were willing to rent for one month. Later we managed to find and rent one apartment in the Besiktas area.

Getting Around: How to get the Medipol University  

Source:IETT https://iett.istanbul/RouteDetail?hkod=121A&routename=BEYKOZ%20-%20MEC%C4%B0D%C4%B0YEK%C3%96Y

I usually commute by bus 121A to the south campus of the university. It took 15 minutes from Levent to the Kavacik bus stop. It is really convenient to reach the South Campus from the European side of the city.

About the campus (South Campus)

Kavacık South Campus

The South Campus covers the School of Medicine, International School of Medicine, School of Dentistry, School of Pharmacy, Medipol Business School, School of Engineering and Natural Sciences, and School of Law. I have used the library since it was empty during the summer. The library has also offered access to the e-resources. At the end of July, newly enrolled students started their induction week. The University campus is really modern and you can find a Starbucks coffee shop on the ground floor

About the Research:

My research is about fair competition in the retail market and types of corruption in the private sector. Corruption flourishes in industries where markets function poorly, and corruption is short-lived and limited in industries where markets function well. Fair competition drives out corruptive practices in the relevant industries. During my research stay, I have also learned about the level of transparency in trade-related regulations (technical regulations, custom valuation, calculation of tariffs, accessibility of non-tariff for imported products) and measures.  At the micro level, I have also researched “slotting fees” in  traditional retail markets. Generally, slotting fees are charged in various forms and different manners. Some retailers charge fees only as an insurance payment for new products and allocate the shelf space according to sales figures for their regular assortment. Since I was focusing on market access to the local market. I had the opportunity to meet the relevant people who introduced products and services to the Uzbekistan market. They have shared their experience with the issues in the distribution and realization of their products in the retail market. According to the initial result of my discussion with market participants, I can say that the common perception of corruption among businesspeople is that corruption only concerns the public sector. The illicit trade practice or any measures which modify the conditions in the relevant market, business people always perceived that the main regulator should take more severe measures to ensure fair competition in the market of goods and services. Discussions involved issues relating to introducing goods to the big retailers and wholesale market. As we know from previous studies in business relations salespeople and buying agents have often developed long-term partnerships and gifts may express their mutual appreciation. In this context, it might be difficult to decide whether a gift values long-term business relations or should be considered as an attempt of bribery. However, extraordinarily expensive gifts, favours done to spouses or family members and especially gifts offered before doing business can raise suspicion that such gifts are intended to unduly influence the recipient and should be conceived as an attempt at bribery (Aßländer, M.S. and Storchevoy 2017 ).

 Weekends

During the weekends, I have the opportunity to visit the historical and modern sites of Istanbul. The people in Istanbul is always welcoming and accommodating

Reference list

Aßländer, M.S. and Storchevoy, M.A., 2017. Corruption in the retail industry. In The Handbook of Business and Corruption: Cross-Sectoral Experiences (pp. 481-505). Emerald Publishing Limited.

[1] https://www.mercer.com/insights/total-rewards/talent-mobility-insights/cost-of-living/

[2] January 2024, Law n. 7464