Welcome!
I defended my PhD thesis in Economic history at Lund University, where I was based at the Department of Economic History, and at the Centre for Economic Demography (CED) and the Centre for Advanced Middle Eastern Studies (CMES). My thesis is titled 'Borders and Pathways: Essays on Syrian Economic Development and Migrant Integration' and can be found at the Lund University research portal here and the full text is here.
I am currently a Senior Economist at Historic England, working on the economic valuation of heritage, productivity impacts, and the development of evidence to inform national heritage policy.
You can find my CV here.
Research
The Historical State and Path Dependence: Evidence from Ottoman Syria’s Stateless Frontier
Abstract: This paper investigates the long-term effects of statelessness in Ottoman Syria by analysing the region divided by the “desert line”, a boundary that separated Ottoman-controlled areas from those subject to tribal raids. Using a spatial regression discontinuity design, I estimate the impact of historical statelessness on contemporary economic outcomes. The results show that historically stateless areas have lower incomes, less developed human and physical capital, and a higher share of workers in the primary sector. These effects persist primarily due to lower population density, which explains a significant portion of the economic gap. This persistence reflects path-dependent consequences: emigration and low population density, initiated by statelessness, continue to hinder economic development in these areas today. The results are robust to geographic controls and testing for competing hypotheses including the roles of institutions and culture.
Ethnic and Religious Differences in Female Labor Force Participation: Evidence from Syrian Census Data.
Published in the Journal of Demographic Economics https://doi.org/10.1017/dem.2025.10007Abstract: This paper investigates the extent and causes of differences in Female Labor Force Participation (FLFP) across ethnic and religious groups in Syria. Using census data and the Gelbach decomposition method, the paper reveals substantial gaps in FLFP across groups, with differences reaching up to 18 percentage points. To understand the factors underlying these gaps, the analysis exploits the heterogeneity in economic development, demographic profiles, and educational attainment across towns and villages. The study finds that the main correlates of gaps in FLFP are the age distribution of the population, income, education, and the public sector employment share. The contribution of social norms is examined through the use of gender parity indices for educational enrolment and attainment to proxy for social restrictions on women but are not found to contribute significantly to ethnic and religious gaps in FLFP.
Premium or Penalty? Occupations and Earnings of Ottoman Immigrants and their Offspring in the United States, 1900–1940. (with Martin Dribe)
Published in the European Review of Economic History https://doi.org/10.1093/ereh/heae020Abstract: We study the economic integration of immigrants from Ottoman Syria and Turkey and their offspring in the United States using full count census data from 1900 to 1940. Immigrants initially achieved occupational premiums due to their selection into high-reward industries, but 1940 earnings data reveals significant and growing disadvantages over time, partly due to lower educational attainment. In contrast, the second generation achieved substantial upward mobility, closing both the education and earnings gaps with native Whites. This contrasts with the experience of Northern European immigrants who matched natives more closely in terms of occupations and earnings.
Home-Leaving Patterns Among MENA-Origin Youth in Sweden: The Influence of Origin, Generation, and Neighbourhood. (with Anna Tegunimataka)
Abstract: Migrant integration extends beyond the labour market, including key life transitions such as leaving the parental home, which reflects economic independence and social autonomy. This study examines home-leaving patterns among Middle Eastern (MENA) immigrants and youth with MENA background in Sweden, using population register data (1998-2022) for individuals aged 17 to 35. Applying competing risks models, we analyse economic and neighbourhood factors influencing the transition to independence living. Findings reveal persistent gaps between MENA-origin youth and native Swedes, with the gaps growing among second-generation immigrants. Co-ethnic community size and neighbourhood employment matter significantly for transitions, while parental income has limited influence. Gender disparities are pronounced, with women experiencing larger gaps in leaving the parental home, reflecing the influence of cultural norms for integration trajectories.
Teaching
Teaching assistant from 2022 to 2025 for courses including:
- Econometrics I
- Economic History: Family and Work - Scandinavia in an International Perspective
- Skill Training I - Statistics and Data
- Methods in Contemporary Middle Eastern Studies