[ARMENIAN AVANT-GARDE IN BAKU] Hayartun, no. 1 (all published).

Baku: Khayartun A. Miasnikova, 1925. Octavo (25 × 18 cm). Original pictorial wrappers (not attributed) affixed to somewhat later cloth-backed boards; 178, [3] pp. With thirteen leaves of plates and two pp. of musical notation bound at the back. Boards worn and rubbed; first few and last leaves somewhat finger-soiled; else good or better. Item #55487

First and only published issue of this Armenian journal of literature, music, art, and theatre, published by the Al. Martuni-Myasnikyan Armenian Artists' Center in Baku, Azerbaijan (Ayartun). A similar Ayartun center was active in Tbilisi, Georgia and still exists today, likewise serving as a meeting point of Armenian writers, artists, theatrical workers, and other cultural figures. We are unable to find any further information about the Baku branch of the organization.

The contributions include a translation into Armenian of a poem by Sergei Esenin, as well as writing by E. Suren, S. Khanoian, Surkhat, R. Kachberuni, G. Levonian, A. Adonts, Ts. Khanzadian, E. Bagatur, S. Manutsian, A. Mrktchian, M. Fabri's essay on Eastern arts, Ant. Mailian's essay on eastern music, an article on oil in Azerbaijan, a text by Mrail on Iran, and more.

One of the plates shows a stage design by Musheg Saginian (1900–1970), in addition to work by M. Fabri, Vardan Ter-Pogosian, Musheg Sagian, S. T.-Avanesova, Eachi (Proshian?), and others.

With unattributed wrappers in the Constructivist style, incorporating a photograph of the Armenian Artists' Home in Baku. The printer's mark mentions A. Miasnikov (Miasnikian) as being a potential initiator of the journal.

A rare survival of the little-known Armenian avant-garde in Baku, dating from time when nearly one fifth of the city of Baku was Armenian, despite the city being a contested site of conflict between Muslim Azerbaijani Turks and Christian Armenians.

Ilk copy; see Michael Ilk, Global Avantgarde Typography 1915–1950, p. 36 (Azerbaijan 2).

As of February 2026, OCLC only shows one copy, in North America.

Price: €750.00

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