Tradition and Poverty Reduction – Mahalla and its Significance in Development Process in Tajikistan

Significance of mahalla as informal social, self-governing institution has increased due to a variety of factors related to the post-transitional changes in Tajikistan. The phenomenon of existence of informal self-government bodies has not been only exclusive to Central Asia or Tajikistan. However, in a case of Central Asia, those institutions have always played significant role in maintaining social order and frequently they are more legitimized in the eyes of local residents than the formally established self-government. Recently, the government of Tajikistan has attempted to incorporate the elements of (indigenous) self-governmental institutions into the formal self-government’s structures. Also, international organizations try to integrate mahalla as important element which would facilitate development’s process. Identification of potential of this old institution could become a good base for poverty reduction and social programs.