In the heart of China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, a musical treasure awaits. Alexander Zazulin, a third-generation Russian born and raised in Xinjiang, has dedicated his life to the accordion. His fascination began in childhood, and over the decades, he has mastered playing, repairing, collecting, and preserving these intricate instruments.
In 1991, Alexander opened his own accordion repair shop, which quickly became renowned both locally and internationally. His passion didn’t stop there; over the past 40 years, he has amassed a collection of more than 800 accordions from over 20 countries. Each instrument, with its unique design and history, tells a story of different cultures and eras.
With support from the local government, Alexander established the Alexander Accordion Museum on Liuxing Street in Yining. Spanning 1,200 square meters, the museum is not just a display of instruments but a cultural hub where music bridges past and present. Visitors can immerse themselves in the rich sounds and histories of accordions from around the globe.
In recognition of his efforts to preserve the Bayan accordion tradition of the Russian ethnic group in Xinjiang, Alexander was honored in 2013 as an intangible cultural heritage inheritor. His dedication has not only kept the tradition alive but has also inspired younger generations to appreciate and continue this musical heritage.
For Alexander, the accordion is more than an instrument; it’s a lifelong companion. “Throughout my life, the accordion has been my soulmate,” he says. In his museum, each instrument whispers melodies across time, inviting all to listen and share in the universal language of music.
