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Tiny Books, Giant Collection: Baku's Miniature Marvel
5 Oct
Summary
- Baku's Museum of Miniature Books houses 8,000 tiny publications.
- The collection spans 76 countries and includes a 17th-century Quran.
- The museum holds the Guinness World Records title for the largest collection.
In Baku's historic Old City, a remarkable Museum of Miniature Books stands, preserving a vast collection of tiny publications. Founded by Zarifa Salakhova, the museum displays around 8,000 miniature books, sourced from 76 countries worldwide. This impressive collection began over 30 years ago, with Salakhova acquiring her first miniature book in 1982.
The museum officially opened its doors in 2002, offering the public a glimpse into the unique art of miniature publishing. Among its treasures are religious texts, literary classics, and rare editions, some no larger than a matchbox. The collection features a 17th-century miniature Quran, a 1815 edition of "A History of England," and even books measuring as small as 2 by 2 millimeters, requiring a magnifying glass for viewing.
Since 2014, the Baku Museum of Miniature Books has held the Guinness World Records title for the world's largest collection of miniature books. This distinction highlights the extensive and diverse nature of Salakhova's lifelong passion. The museum continues to be a popular destination, drawing both local residents and international tourists to experience this compact world of literature and art.
