The resurgence of bazaar entrepreneurship: ‘Ravabet-networking’ and the case of the Persian carpet trade

Abstract

This paper contributes to a recent stream of research that analyses what the concept of the bazaar can offer in respect to our understanding of the new economy. It suggests that the bazaar-type economy provides interesting insights into features characterizing the new economy which is not captured by standard economic conceptualizations or the standard iconic markets, such as Wall Street. The paper builds on empirical studies from the Iranian dominated Carpet bazaar in Hamburg, Germany. Throughout the paper, the traditional and contemporary bazaar is compared to modern markets; with special attention paid to networks.