In the heart of China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Alexander Zazulin's fingers dance across accordion keys, weaving a musical tapestry that bridges Russian and Uygur traditions. The third-generation ethnic Russian artisan, whose family has called Xinjiang home for over a century, has transformed his lifelong passion into a living archive of cultural exchange.
From Childhood Fascination to Cultural Legacy
Zazulin's journey began with a childhood curiosity about the accordion's bellows. Over four decades, this evolved into expertise spanning performance, restoration, and preservation. His 1991 repair shop became a hub for musicians across Asia, while his personal collection grew to 800 instruments from 20 countries – each with stories of Silk Road trade routes and cross-cultural connections.
A Museum Born from Community Support
With local government backing, Zazulin established the 1,200-square-meter Alexander Accordion Museum in Yining. The institution showcases chromatic bayans alongside Uygur folk instruments, illustrating Xinjiang's multicultural heritage. 'These accordions are time travelers,' Zazulin notes. 'A 1930s German model might sit beside a Soviet-era bayan, both whispering tales of cultural exchange.'
Recognizing Intangible Heritage
In 2013, Zazulin's efforts earned recognition as an intangible cultural heritage inheritor. His work preserves the Russian ethnic group's bayan tradition while celebrating Xinjiang's diverse musical landscape. The museum now attracts researchers and tourists alike, serving as both cultural repository and testament to China's support for ethnic preservation.
