I’m Burak Yıldırım, a research assistant at Istanbul Medipol University. Today, I want to share some highlights from my incredible journey as part of the MOCCA: Multilevel Orders of Corruption in Central Asia project, funded by the European Commission. This experience allowed me to explore not only exciting research opportunities but also the vibrant culture and history of Prague, all while collaborating with brilliant minds at Charles University.
My colleague, Asst. Prof. Büşra Eylem Aktaş, and I were brimming with excitement even before setting foot in Prague. Personally, I had long dreamed of visiting this remarkable city and was eager to immerse myself in its rich medieval ambiance.
We arrived on the 5th of October, and from the moment we stepped onto the cobbled streets, we were captivated. Prague immediately welcomed us with its stunning architecture, a perfect blend of Gothic, Baroque, and Renaissance styles. The city’s landmarks, like the Charles Bridge and Prague Castle, seemed straight out of a fairy tale. Beyond its visual beauty, we were touched by the warmth and kindness of the locals, who made us feel at home right away. As someone passionate about travel, I was truly captivated by the city’s incredible architecture and history. While walking through the beautiful streets of Prague, I was so inspired that I kept pulling out my phone to write down the research ideas that came to me.
What I found most fascinating about Prague was its incredibly convenient transportation system. The tram network, in particular, stood out to me, it’s like a meticulously designed spider web connecting every corner of the city. No matter where you are, there’s always a tram stop within walking distance, ready to whisk you away to your destination efficiently and affordably. For someone new to the city, it was surprisingly easy to navigate. With a quick glance at the map or a simple app, I could plan my route and get anywhere I needed to go, whether it was Charles University, a local café, or a historic landmark. The punctuality and frequency of the trams were impressive, making commuting not just easy but enjoyable.
We were hosted by the Faculty of Social Sciences at Charles University, located in Jinonice, a quiet and charming area of Prague. From the moment we arrived, we were greeted with genuine warmth and hospitality. Anna and Slavomir, our key contacts at the faculty, were incredibly kind and made sure we felt at home right away. They took care of everything we needed to settle in smoothly.
During our time at Charles University, we worked on developing a research proposal titled “Unmasking Corruption: How Leadership and Social Norms Influence Its Rise, Spread, and Prevention.” This project focuses on investigating corrupt behavior through the lens of leadership dynamics and social norms. To achieve this, we designed both a scenario-based experimental paradigm and a novel economic game during our secondment. One of the highlights of our visit was when Eylem presented our study’s proposal at a workshop organized by the MOCCA project. It was an excellent opportunity to share our ideas with an audience of experienced researchers and receive valuable feedback. The senior scholars provided insightful comments and suggestions, which helped us refine our approach and think more critically about the nuances of our design.
After our experience at Charles University, we decided to add another dimension to our study by incorporating not just quantitative data but also qualitative data. By blending both types of data, we aim to gain a more nuanced understanding of corruption. While the quantitative data from our economic game provides valuable insights into patterns of behavior, the qualitative data will allow us to explore the underlying motivations, perceptions, and social contexts that drive corrupt actions. We believe that combining these two approaches will give us a more comprehensive view of how corruption develops, spreads, and can potentially be prevented.
As I wrap up this reflection on my time in Prague, I want to express my heartfelt thanks to the MOCCA: Multilevel Orders of Corruption in Central Asia project, Lund University, and Charles University for providing me with this insightful and rewarding one-month experience. It has been a journey of both professional growth and personal discovery, and I am grateful for the opportunities to collaborate with such brilliant minds and immerse myself in the rich culture and history of this remarkable city. I look forward to carrying the lessons learned here into the next chapters of my academic and research journey.