The MARS Workshop, titled "Methodological and Theoretical Approaches to Studying Migration and Mobilities in Non-Western Migration Locales," convened in Istanbul on February 3-4, 2024. It brought together both experienced and early-stage researchers of the MARS project to discuss methodologies and theories relevant to the study of migration in non-Western contexts. This event served as a platform for enhancing the understanding of migration dynamics in regions often overlooked in global research.
The workshop opened with Anna Jordanova’s session, which addressed the formulation of main research questions, hypotheses, and the selection of methodologies and theories within social sciences. This set the stage for the day's discussions on robust research design. Selmin Kaska from Marmara University in Turkey spoke about conducting qualitative research and offered insights on preparation, execution, and post-fieldwork processes. This session provided valuable guidance for researchers handling the complexities of qualitative methods. The workshop continued with Anna Liisa Heusala's presentation on de-colonization in the study of non-Western. The morning session concluded with Aksana Ismailbekova's talk on increasing visibility in academia. She discussed strategies for researchers from non-Western locales to enhance their presence in the global academic community. Berdymyrat Ovezmyradov from Turkmenistan highlighted the importance of scientometrics for researchers. This was followed by Gülfer Ihlamur Öner’s session on incorporating a gender perspective into research and how researchers can be aware of gender biases, particularly when dealing with female research participants. The final session of the day featured Dilaver Khamzaev (Academy of the General Prosecutors Office of Uzbekistan), who explored the use of digital technologies, particularly artificial intelligence, in research.
The second day began with Rustam Urinboyev and Sherzod Eraliev (Lund University), focusing on fieldwork with difficult-to-access groups and topics. They discussed approaches for researchers tackling sensitive or marginalized populations. Michelle von Dach and Meltem Sancak (University of Zurich) addressed the methodological and ethical aspects of research across different contexts, highlighting the challenges and considerations for ethical research practices. Kobil Ruziev (University of the West of England Bristol) presented on applied quantitative research methods, offering attendees practical tools for data-driven studies. Sanjarbek Toshbaev, representing the International Organisation for Migration in Uzbekistan, discussed the ways the IOM organises the data collection and analysis and how they translate the empirical evidence into policymaking. The workshop resumed with Peter Finke (University of Zurich), who led a session on institutional analysis while particularly focusing on economic institutions and how to apply institutional analysis in social science research. This was followed by Slavomir Horak from the Charles University Prague, focusing on the case study methodology. Mr Horak’s presentation preceded the concluding session by Aksana Ismailbekova on ethnography, participant observation, and interviews, which are the essential methods for in-depth qualitative research.
The MARS Workshop was a comprehensive experience for the project participants, offering a mix of theoretical insights and practical guidance. By fostering a collaborative environment, this workshop aimed to enhance the methodological rigor and theoretical breadth of migration studies in non-Western contexts and also provided a platform for networking for the MARS project researchers.
