Western Caspian University

A mini exhibition center dedicated to Honorary Professor of Western Caspian University, Thor Heyerdahl, was inaugurated on May 12-20, 2014, as part of a film festival marking the 100th anniversary of the renowned explorer.Thor Heyerdahl, an honorary professor at Western Caspian University, was a globally renowned researcher, archaeologist, and ethnographer. He challenged conventional scientific thought by sailing across vast oceans on simple rafts and boats to support his theories about human migration. Heyerdahl described the three core principles of his life as: living in harmony with nature and protecting it, leaving a significant impact on the world of science, and fostering the fundamental unity of humanity based on his own vision.
Western Caspian University extends its heartfelt gratitude to Betty Blair, editor of Azerbaijan International Magazine, for her invaluable assistance in the establishment of the Mini Exhibition Center.Gifts given to Western Caspian University by Jacqueline Beers, wife of Thor Heyerdahl
Replica models: 
Left: A raft made of balsa wood during the Kon-Tiki expedition (1947) 
Right: A reed boat Ra II used during the RA expedition (1969-1970) 
The center section features commemorative pieces from the original ships: 
A balsa board from Kon-Tiki raft (above) 
Papyrus from the reed boat Ra II (below) 
Bust of Heyerdahl Ancient map of the Azov region of Russia, where Heyerdahl conducted archaeological research
Notably, the museum also contains bilingual (English and Azerbaijani) books prepared by "Azerbaijan International":

Kon-Tiki and Betty Blair. "Text and Illustrations: Eric Hesselberg". Azerbaijan International. Los Angeles and Baku: 2012. ISBN 978-0-9654388-5-8. WCU Book VII.

Thor Heyerdahl. "Relations with Azerbaijan crossing borders and seas". Azerbaijan International. Los Angeles and Baku: 2011. ISBN 978-0-9654388-2-7. WCU Book VII.

Other commemorative items
This envelope has a unique history. It is one of 2,000 envelopes printed in Norway and kept in a waterproof case throughout the Kon-Tiki journey, which spanned nearly 5,000 miles over 101 days. The artwork on the envelope was created by Eric Hesselberg, a member of the expedition. According to the story, the idea to print the envelopes came to the crew after all the preparations were complete, but with almost no money left for the journey. As a result, they could only afford to print 2,000 copies.

This particular envelope was sent by Eric Hesselberg to himself under his Polynesian name, Tane Materau. Most of the envelopes were returned to Oslo, Norway, when the Kon-Tiki raft completed its voyage. In 1971, when the Kon-Tiki museum was established, the five surviving crew members gathered to distribute the recovered envelopes among themselves.

The front of the postcard features Thor Heyerdahl on Easter Island. On the back, there is a handwritten note from Heyerdahl in 1995 that reads: "No one can overturn what is built on truth."
Postcard of the Port of Callao
This postcard depicts the main square at the Port of Callao, near Lima, Peru, the departure point of the Kon-Tiki raft on April 28, 1947.
A toy set of a Kon-Tiki raft made from balsa wood, designed for children in the 1950s or 1960s, remains in an unassembled state. 

This toy set was developed by the Norwegian company Ottar Lilleengen Nygard.

Heyerdahl was invited to Azerbaijan by Hasan Aliyev as part of a visit sponsored by the National Academy of Sciences. During this visit, Thor Heyerdahl proposed the idea of ancient relations between Azerbaijan and Scandinavia.

Ancient relations between Azerbaijan and Scandinavia?
Thor Heyerdahl was inspired by Roman inscriptions, place names, and petroglyphs in Azerbaijan when formulating his Odin theory. He found further validation for this theory in the Chronicle of the Norwegian Kings, written by the Icelandic author Snorri Sturluson in the Middle Ages.

The Odin theory is fundamentally a theory about migration, suggesting that a group of Scandinavians may have migrated from the Caucasus region, specifically Azerbaijan.

"Wonderful Stories of Professor Kitzel" was an educational animated series that aired in the early 1970s. Produced by Shamus Culhane for Krantz Films, the program featured clips, animation, and commentary that informed viewers about historical and cultural events.