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ISEK - Institut für Sozialanthropologie und Empirische Kulturwissenschaft Ethnologie

Uzbekistan: Historical heritage and contemporary challenges

Summer School Experience in Uzbekistan

written by Samuele Reino

In mid-June our group consisting of seven students, Prof. Dr. Peter Finke and Dr. Meltem Sancak set off from Zurich towards Central Asia. Due to a flight delay, we were also granted the opportunity to explore the vibrant megacity of Istanbul and to get an insight into a culture whose influence can be recognised in Central Asia and vice versa.

Then, after our arrival in Osh, Kyrgyzstan, we were invited to a wedding in the Uzbek part of the famous Fergana Valley. In addition to the excellent food and dancing, we were given an insight into wedding traditions. We heard about them again a few days later during one of the afternoon lectures held by Uzbek lecturers at the State University of Bukhara. There, we also attended a two-week language course in Uzbek, together with a group of students from the Institution of Asian and Oriental Studies (UZH). We also visited the old town of Bukhara and had the chance to explore the capital Tashkent and the historic city of Samarkand during a weekend.

Unfortunately, it turned out to be more difficult than expected to gain access to families outside of Bukhara. We had long waiting times and discussions with the local authorities. But through that we got insights into local power structures and gender roles. Luckily in the end, we were all able to live with Uzbek families for the rest of the Summer School. There, we conducted research on, for example beauty ideals, tourism, trade or irrigation systems.

The five weeks in the heart of Eurasia were challenging, but above all unforgettable and exciting. So, on behalf of all the participating students I would like to thank Meltem and Peter, who made this possible.

Katta Rahmat! Danke!

  • In front of the dormitory
    In front of the dormitory
  • Architecture in Buchara. Photo: Alexandros Guekos
    Architecture in Buchara. Photo: Alexandros Guekos
  • Landscape in Uzbekistan. Photo: Navsika Xevelonakis
    Landscape in Uzbekistan. Photo: Navsika Xevelonakis

Announcement of the Summer School

Uzbekistan is a state located at the very heart of the Eurasian continent. Looking back on a long history and rich cultural heritage, it gained independence again only after the fall of the Soviet Union in 1991. Famous for cities like Samarkand, Bukhara and Tashkent as well as the Silk Road running through most of the country, its economy was traditionally based on intensive agriculture and trade.

Today, Uzbekistan hosts a very diverse and young population that sees itself confronted with radical changes in society. The end of the socialist regime meant not only a shift in the political system but also far-reaching economic transformations that influenced the life of urban and rural families likewise. After a period of stagnation, the last ten years have seen significant reforms and gradually increasing standards of living. Still, the adaption to a globalized market economy is far from easy.

During the summer school in Uzbekistan, we will look at these changes and the impacts they have on people. It will begin with a two-week language course that introduces students to the Uzbek language, accompanied by lectures on the historical background and the current situation in the country. This will be followed by a two-week fieldwork period, during which the participants will live with local families and collect data on their research projects.

The language course and summer school will take place from mid-June to mid-July 2024 and will be organized in cooperation with the Institution of Asian and Oriental Studies (UZH). A first meeting will take place at the beginning of the semester and will be announced soon.

Requirements for participation:

  • Letter of intention (deadline: November 30, 2023)
  • Completed first-year course in anthropology or a related discipline
  • Successful participation in the “Regional Module Central Asia” (HS 23) and the course “Doing Ethnography” (HS 23 or FS 24).

The Summer School is open for BA and MA students. Upon successful completion, students will receive 6 ECTS for each the language course and the field excursion.

For further questions please contact Meltem Sancak (meltem.sancak@uzh.ch) or Peter Finke (peter.finke@uzh.ch)