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Miniature Book Museum in Baku: A Unique Landmark Entering the Guinness World Records
The Miniature Book Museum in Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan, is considered one of the rarest and most unusual museums in the world. It is not just a place to exhibit books, but a cultural and historical landmark that offers visitors a glimpse into the global literary and artistic heritage through a rare and one-of-a-kind collection of over 6,500 miniature books from 64 different countries. This museum holds a special place in the Guinness World Records as the place that houses the smallest books in the world. It is a unique museum that leaves visitors in awe and admiration due to the rarity and uniqueness of its exhibits, making it one of the most important tourist attractions in Baku.
The History of the Museum’s Establishment
The idea of establishing the Miniature Book Museum in Baku began in 2002, and its purpose was to gather a collection of miniature books representing different cultures from around the world. This remarkable exhibition was founded by Zarifa Salakhova, the sister of the famous Russian artist Igor Salakhov, and the first secretary of the Union of Artists of the former Soviet Union. Thanks to Zarifa’s dedication over thirty years, she managed to gather this unique collection, which now includes more than 6,500 books, making the museum one of the prominent cultural landmarks in Azerbaijan.
Zarifa Salakhova began collecting these books in the early 1990s, and she played a significant role in promoting literacy and reading among children, which was the primary goal behind this cultural project. Initially, the museum opened with only 66 miniature books, but over two decades, the collection expanded significantly, reaching thousands of books representing various countries, cultures, and literary traditions.
The Museum’s Importance in the Guinness World Records
The Miniature Book Museum is not just a cultural exhibition; it is a global achievement that has earned a spot in the Guinness World Records. It is the only museum in the world that specializes in displaying miniature books, which are among the rarest items in the field of printing and publishing. These miniature books are highly valuable, as they contain literary, artistic, religious, legal, and educational texts that have been drastically reduced in size.
The smallest books displayed in the museum are the tiniest books in the world, having been printed manually using special techniques to reduce their size, making them difficult to read by the human eye without the use of magnifying lenses or special devices. Many of these books are listed in the Guinness World Records due to their extraordinary size, with the smallest book in the collection being The Compass of Life, measuring only 0.74 x 0.74 mm.
The Location and Content
The Miniature Book Museum is located in the Old City or Icherisheher of Baku, a historic area that houses many significant cultural and tourist landmarks. The Old City is one of the oldest areas in Baku and is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. The city’s history dates back to before the 11th century, representing the heart of Azerbaijani culture and civilization.
Nestled within this historic city, the museum is located in a prime area, allowing visitors to discover one of the rarest cultural exhibits in the world. The museum boasts more than 5,000 miniature books from 64 countries, making it a testament to the cultural and global diversity. The exhibited books cover a wide range of topics, from classical literature to educational books, and from religious works to artistic compositions, reflecting the diversity of human thought and the importance of cultural documentation.
Visitor Experience at the Museum
Upon visiting the museum, visitors will feel amazed by the human ability to create things that transcend the imaginable. They will have the chance to see the miniature books and learn about the long history behind each book. The exhibits offer a comprehensive view of the significant evolution in the world of printing and publishing, demonstrating the complex methods used to shrink the size of books without compromising their content.
The museum doesn’t only display books but also provides visitors with opportunities to explore the printing techniques used to create these astonishing miniature books. Some of the books contain very fine details that can only be observed with magnified images, reflecting the craftsmanship and creativity of the artisans and designers who produced these incredibly small books. The museum also showcases some of the tools and machines that were used in the printing and shrinking processes.
The Museum’s Role in Promoting Culture and Education
One of the primary goals behind establishing the Miniature Book Museum was to encourage literacy and promote reading culture, especially in childhood. The museum works to emphasize the importance of books and reading as essential educational tools in human life. Many of the activities organized at the museum encourage children and young people to learn to read through interactive workshops and educational presentations.
Additionally, the museum is part of Azerbaijan’s efforts to protect global cultural heritage and introduce the world to traditional arts and crafts that are revived through specialized exhibitions like this one. It also reflects Azerbaijan’s commitment to highlighting its national culture and promoting its cultural standing on the international stage.
Miniature Books: Rare and Highly Valuable
The true value of the museum lies in the collections it houses. The miniature books exhibited are rare literary and artistic works that might contain poems, stories for children, or even religious texts, making it a collection worth seeing and appreciating. Some of the books feature intricate paintings carefully drawn within the miniature pages, highlighting the high level of design and craftsmanship involved in their production.
The museum also displays unique works such as miniature versions of sacred texts, including the Quran and the Bible, where printing these books using special techniques has become one of the most notable efforts in the field of miniature book printing.
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