Miniature Book Museum in Baku

I enjoy reading books and I would always keep copies of those that I have read. I have been collecting for many years, and so far I have accumulated around 300 books. I could say that I have already read 50% of them and would definitely re-read some of them. Also, I have got a pile of to-be-read pieces. I got most of these books at bargain prices such as from the flea markets and second-hand shops. Although some are new pieces bought from legit bookstores, and some are presents that I received from Richard during my birthdays and at Christmas. Having accumulated hundreds of books seeded the idea of building my very own private library. A Library that will also be accessible to our local community and would be beneficial especially to the underprivileged students in my hometown Bindoy in Negros Oriental. Building a Library has been my dream for several years now and I truly wish to make it a reality as soon as I have enough funds to build a decent structure that could even start housing my very own collections.

One of the things I tend to buy when travelling to a new country is a book, aside from souvenir items and collectibles.  Upon learning about the Miniature Book Museum in Baku which is apparently the only museum of miniature books in the world, you can imagine my excitement. Luckily, the museum is located in the Old City of Baku, which is within walking distance from my hotel.

The Museum of Miniature Books started its operation on the 2^nd of April 2002 and in 2015, it was presented the Certificate of the Guinness Book of Records as the largest private collection of miniature books in the world. Needless to say, for book lovers like myself, this kind of place is heaven. I cannot stress enough how excited I was being surrounded by those literally, tiny pieces and rare collections of books on display. There were thousands of them in different languages which apparently come from 64 countries.

As the saying goes, “Seeing is believing”. Indeed, I was grateful to be able to visit the Museum of Miniature Books and to see for myself the tiny, macro-mini, miniature, micro-mini, and ultra-mini micro books that the world’s three smallest books with sizes of 2mm x 2mm each can only be read with the use of a magnifying glass. Unfortunately, none of those on display were for sale. However, there were small books in the Azerbaijani language that were sold at 2 AZN (Azerbaijani Manat); a perfect piece as souvenir.

The Museum of Miniature Books is located in the Inner City of Baku, at 67, 1-st Castle Lane, Icheri Sheher. It is one of the highlights and sites to visit when joining the Old Baku City Tour. I highly recommend to everyone who is travelling to Baku to visit this incredible museum be it on one’s own, or with a local guide.

For more details, check the website of Baku City Tours company. You can contact them directly for a customized private tour. Baku City Tours also offers guided tour packages in Baku and in other interesting parts of Azerbaijan. Their website is https://citytoursbaku.com/

As to my other blogs about my travel to Azerbaijan, please check the links below.

• My First Solo Travel in 2022 Baku, Azerbaijan
• The Old Baku City Guided Tour

Keep on travelling!