MIRAS Social Organization in Support of Studying of Cultural Heritage arranged open sky reading on 3rd April 2013 on the occasion of International Children's Book Day.
The community of Nizami district and schoolchildren participated at the event co-organized with Nizami district centralized library.
Printings, handwork of MIRAS members, as well as various children books presented by the library, paintings which are reader’s creation, etc. were show at Haydar Aliyev Park in Nizami district. The visitors were provided with opportunity to read a book at the park and get acquaintance with new books.
They were also familiarized with secrets of paper marble art (ebru) by Vusal Garagashly, member of MIRAS Organization and expert of ebru art.
According to deputy chief of MIRAS Organization, Arzu Soltan the event aimed at involving the attention of the society to child literature, its problems and reading civilization. During the event which was held for some hours it was seen such acts are useful taking into consideration people’s interest in book, fine art and languages.
To note, since 1967, 2nd April International Children's Book Day is marked in the whole world in initiative and order of the Children's Book Council. Thus, 2 April is birthday of well-known tale writer Hans Christian Andersen. German writer Jella Lepman wanted this day to be marked as International Children's Book Day.
Generally, the history of children books started since 1477, publication of antique Greek author Aesop’s songs as a book. In 1658 Czech enlightener and pedagogue Komensky published a book where paintings were placed in order to explain the world to children. In 18th century the children are created the opportunity to choose the book due to their taste. Novels Robinson Crusoe (1719) by D. Defoe and travel of Gulliver by J. Swift for adults were adapted to children’s reading ideally. The interest in folk tales inscribed to books, has grown. Tales “1001 nights”, “Aladdin”,”Ali-Baba and fourty thieves”, “Sinbad the Sailor” should be also noted. Tale book of Grimm brothers is notable from this aspect. Anderson’s tales are beloved of children since 1846. There were too many authors and books. 19th century is considered by many as “Golden Age”. 19-20 centuries are characterized with the development of children literature in Azerbaijan.