LIFE IN A MUSLIM UZBEK VILLAGE: COTTON FARMING AFTER COMMUNISM aims to 'identify and explain aspects of Uzbek cultural life in a farming village on a 'kolkhoz' (collective farm) that account for both cultural patterns and culture change. This case study depicts the cultural changes and continuities that have occurred as a result of Uzbekistan's recent political independence from the Soviet Union. It describes, from the author's own experience and understanding of Uzbek rural life, how the production and global exportation of cotton has brought new challenges and opportunities to contemporary Uzbek citizens.

Author Biography

Russell Zanca is an Associate Professor at Northeastern Illinois University in Chicago. He completed his PhD at the University of Illinois in 1999, and this case study grew out of his engagement in a variety of anthropological projects in Uzbekistan over the last thirteen years ranging from culinary history to a socio-economic profile of pastoralism. Dr. Zanca has published several journal articles and is currently working on another manuscript entitled 'Everyday Life in Central Asia.' He has received numerous research grants and awards for teaching excellence and regularly gives papers and lectures at prominent meetings.