Citizenship from Below and the Making of State in Kyrgyzstan: Migrants Making a Living in Squatter Settlements of Bishkek

Internal migration within Kyrgyzstan is directed primarily toward the capital and biggest city of the country – Bishkek – in search of employment and better life. However limited resources, a struggling economy and an expensive rental payment hinder the city to absorb the population influx. Thus internal migrants are forced to seek low-cost living in the outskirts of Bishkek.

The proposed study will take place in squatter settlements in Bishkek which internal migrants have illegally seized in the aftermath of two popular revolts. Numerous new settlements with very poor infrastructure popped up on the edges of the city and quickly mushroomed within a short time.

Focusing on everyday life experiences of squatters and their understanding of the state, following objectives will be sought:

a)How do squatters organize their lives in their new settlements: their network connections and survival strategies?

b)How do attitudes of squatters towards the state change and how does this affect the state?

c)How does the institutional framework in Kyrgyzstan concern citizenship and the ideas of social welfare?

The Soviet state’s welfare system remains a significant factor why many people in Kyrgyzstan still long for socialism, while the independent Kyrgyz state is accused of partially withdrawing itself from the population. It is this changing relationship between state and society that will be reflected and examined throughout the project in the example of squatters in Bishkek.