The "ethnic" markets in Irkutsk: mental representation of urban space

The main purpose of this article is studying of special features of space perception in relation to one of the hugest "ethnic" markets in Irkutsk which is called "Shanhai". The focus of the research is to visualize the image of this market. The investigation discovered hidden, non-reflective characteristics that influence both citizens' attitude towards the market, different interaction practices with it and transformation and development of urban space. Design of this study is based on methodological strategy of K. Lynch. The crucial data collection method is mental mapping of the territory. Generally, this research instrument is complemented by an interview. The mental maps, created by informants on researcher's assignment, were analyzed through Lynch's theory where he distinguished the number of universal elements. This scheme is the base for the primary data analysis. The interpretation of mental maps demonstrates the image of the "ethnic" market consists of basic elements that K. Lynch mentioned about in his research. The complex of these elements points out that from citizens' perspective the space of the market is heterogeneous and non-readable. The respondents had some difficulties revealing the structure of the market and marking its boundaries. At the same time, there was clear understanding of market's localization in the citizens' consciousness. Besides, the comparison of the mental representation and real picture which was constructed from field observations showed that the image of the "ethnic" market complies with the features that were typical for this market in the past. Some characteristics of the mental maps (like space boundaries and specificity of landscape) defines that this image was formed during creating the market. However, the following changes that were connected with the measures for the improvement of urban environment are not reflected on the maps. In other words, the image of the "ethnic" market has special sustainability because there are no any transformations which happened and changed significantly the space of the market. Nevertheless, the mental representation of the market is based on the image of elder "Shanhai" but still has strong link with the new market. This fact means that there is an idea of continuity between two stages of existing of the market in its image. In this relation, the social interactions at the markets should be understood as the part of this processes because its forms and importance have the same persistence in spite of changes of external shape.

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