Since childhood in Xinjiang, Alexander Zazulin has been enthralled by the accordion. Over four decades, he mastered playing, repairing, and collecting these instruments, turning a lifelong passion into a global journey.
In 1991, he opened a repair shop in Yining, combining craftsmanship with cultural exchange. Today, Zazulin's collection spans more than 800 accordions from over 20 countries, each instrument reflecting unique sounds and stories.
Backed by local authorities, he transformed Liuxing Street into a 1,200-square-meter Alexander Accordion Museum. Strolling its galleries feels like traveling through time: a 1920s bayan stands beside a modern hand-crank instrument.
In 2013, Zazulin was honored as an intangible cultural heritage inheritor for preserving the Bayan tradition of the Russian ethnic group in Xinjiang. His museum not only celebrates musical innovation but also highlights the role of artisanship in sustaining cultural memory.
For young travelers and digital nomads, the museum offers an immersive dive into global music culture. For entrepreneurs and creatives, it's a reminder that passion and perseverance can build bridges across borders.
In Zazulin's museum, each accordion whispers its music across time, inviting visitors to join this ongoing cultural odyssey.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
