Fuzuli district borders on Jabrayil, Khojavend, Aghjabadi, Beylagan districts and Iran along the Araz River. The territory of Fuzuli district is rich in historical, cultural and architectural monuments.

After the occupation by Armenia on August 23, 1993, these architectural monuments sustained severe damage. The Argali mausoleum, the Babi mausoleum, the Mirali mausoleum, the Hajigiyasaddin mosque, the caravanserai and other sites of historical significance were destroyed and burned.

Fuzuli was fully liberated from occupation by the Azerbaijani Army on October 17, 2020. Today, October 17, is celebrated as Fuzuli City Day in accordance with the Decree of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan “On the Establishment of City Days in the Liberated Territories of the Republic of Azerbaijan”.

On the instructions of President Ilham Aliyev, the district is undergoing extensive reconstruction. Large-scale work is underway to restore the district’s infrastructure. The return of former internally displaced persons to the city of Fuzuli has been ongoing since August 18, 2023, and this process continues at an increasing pace.

As a result of the special attention of the head of state, the “Fuzuli” substation, the Fuzuli Digital Substation and Control Center, as well as the Kondalanchay reservoir complex have been put into operation in the district. Large-scale projects have been implemented in Fuzuli to create transport infrastructure. The Victory, Fuzuli-Hadrut and Ahmadbayli-Fuzuli-Shusha highways have been put into operation. Also, the Fuzuli International Airport, inaugurated by the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, and the President of the Republic of Türkiye, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, was put into operation. 

A 960-seat school built in Fuzuli by President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev as a gift on behalf of the Uzbek people and the Kurmangazy Children's Creativity Center built in Fuzuli by President of the Republic of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev as a gift on behalf of the Kazakh people are also among projects that have been handed over.

Khojavend district is located on the border with Shusha district. The district, which was mentioned in the tax books of the Karabakh Province in 1823, was established in 1991. The Azykh and Taghlar caves, the country's world-famous archaeological sites, are located here.

On October 2, 1992, Khojavend district was occupied by Armenia. During the occupation, the Armenians attempted to change the ethnic affiliation of the district’s Albanian and Christian sites to Armenian.

By November 10, 2020, Hadrut settlement and 34 villages of Khojavend district were completely liberated from occupation. As a result of local anti-terrorist operations conducted on September 19-20, 2023, the district, including the city center, was completely liberated from occupation. Today, September 20, is celebrated as the Day of the City of Khojavend in accordance with the Decree of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan “On the Establishment of City Days in the Liberated Territories of the Republic of Azerbaijan”.

Immediately after the liberation from occupation, restoration and reconstruction work began in Khojavend district. To date, the Hadrut Interchange Substation and Digital Control Center have been put into operation in Hadrut settlement of the district.

Founded by Panahali Khan of Karabakh in 1752, the city of Shusha has undergone extensive development and played an exceptional role in the cultural, public and political life of Azerbaijan and the entire South Caucasus. This city, which has always preserved its unique historical appearance and environment it has formed, has written remarkable pages in our literary, cultural, scientific and social chronicle with the great personalities it has brought up.

Shusha received the status of an administrative district on August 8, 1930. The center of the district is the city of Shusha. The city is located at an altitude of 1,300-1,600 meters above sea level and is surrounded by steep cliffs on three sides.

The city of Shusha, occupied by the Armenian armed forces on May 8, 1992, was liberated from occupation by Azerbaijan’s victorious Army on November 8, 2020, thanks to the determination of Supreme Commander-in-Chief Ilham Aliyev and the heroic Azerbaijani people. Today, November 8, is celebrated as Shusha City Day in accordance with the Decree of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan “On the Establishment of City Days in the Liberated Territories of the Republic of Azerbaijan”.

Immediately after the Victory in Shusha, in addition to infrastructure construction in the city, the process of restoration of historical and cultural monuments destroyed as a result of acts of vandalism during the occupation began. Large-scale projects are currently underway in Shusha, which has been declared the cultural capital of Azerbaijan, in an effort to restore the true historical appearance of the city. The return of former internally displaced persons to Shusha has been ongoing since May 11, 2024, and this process continues at an increasing pace.

To date, the head of state has inaugurated a number of strategically important infrastructure facilities in Shusha, making them available to the population. Among them are the Zafar Road, the 110/35/10 kilovolt “Shusha” substation, the Shusha Digital Management Center, the water treatment facility, the first residential complex, the State Services Center, secondary school No. 1, the Flag Square, and the Shusha Medical and Health Center.

As part of the development of Shusha's extensive tourism potential, the “Kharibulbul”, “Qarabagh” and “Yasemen” hotels, the “Isa Bulaghi” recreation center have been restored, and the Shusha Hotel and Conference Center has been built.

The implementation of projects to restore religious, historical and cultural monuments and mosques in the cultural capital has also gained momentum.

In a short period of time, the bust and the mausoleum complex of prominent poet Molla Panah Vagif were restored to their original appearance, the destroyed house-museums of Uzeyir Hajibayli and Bulbul were restored, and the busts of Khurshidbanu Natavan, Bulbul and Uzeyir Hajibayli were returned to their places. The mosques and springs of Ashaghi Govhar Agha, Yukhari Govhar Aga, Saatli, Dashalti village, Chol Gala and Mamai, the Mehmandarovs' mansion, the Shusha Creativity Center and other historical and cultural sites were restored, and the construction of a new mosque began.

Jabrayil district, established on August 8, 1930, is located in the southeast of the Lesser Caucasus Mountains, on the banks of the Araz River, bordering on the Islamic Republic of Iran in the south, Zangilan in the southwest, Gubadli in the west, Khojavend in the north, and Fuzuli in the east.

The territory of Jabrayil district is rich in material and cultural monuments. Among them, the “Divlar Sarayi” cave, mounds and mausoleums, the “Bashikasik Gumbaz”, “Gala”, “Giz Galasi”, Khudaferin bridges, the mosque complex in the village of Chalabilar, the “Sultan Majid bath” in the district center, the “Circular” eight-pointed tombs and mausoleums in the village of Khubyarli are parts of the living history passed down from generation to generation. There are many written monuments in the district, of which the Orkhan written monument in Aghoghlan is particularly valuable. The territory of the district is also rich in minerals, valuable raw materials for cement production, and reserves of marble and other building materials.

Jabrayil was occupied by Armenian armed forces on August 23, 1993, the local population was displaced from their native historical lands and subjected to mass murders and massacres. The historical and cultural monuments and settlements belonging to the Azerbaijani people were destroyed and devastated.

The city of Jabrayil was liberated from occupation on October 4 as a result of successful combat operations carried out as a result of the counter-offensive launched by the Azerbaijani Army on September 27, 2020. Today, October 4, is celebrated as the Day of the City of Jabrayil in accordance with the Decree of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan “On the Establishment of City Days in the Liberated Territories of the Republic of Azerbaijan”.

As is the case in other territories liberated from occupation, reconstruction and restoration work is currently underway in Jabrayil district in a prompt and systematic manner. All conditions are being created for the former internally displaced persons to live comfortably and well in their native lands. Necessary measures are also being taken to ensure a high level of employment. The return of former internally displaced persons to Jabrayil began on September 26, 2024, and this process continues at an increasing pace.

The head of state pays regular visits to Jabrayil district to closely familiarize himself with the work underway there, participates in groundbreaking and opening ceremonies, and gives relevant instructions and recommendations.

President Ilham Aliyev attended the groundbreaking ceremonies of the villages of Mashanli, Sarijalli, Karkhulu, Boyuk Marjanli, Horovlu and Shukurbayli in Jabrayil district, Khudaferin settlement, the first multi-apartment residential neighborhood, an administrative building, the District Central Hospital, the “Araz Valley Economic Zone” Industrial Park, the joint service center of “KamAZ” OJSC and “Ganja Automobile Plant” Production Association, as well as a number of production complexes and enterprises, and also laid the foundation stone for a Memorial Complex and restoration of the city.

President Ilham Aliyev inaugurated a military unit complex of the State Border Service, the Jabrayil Digital Management Center of the “Azerishig” Open Joint-Stock Company, the 110/35/10 kilovolt “Jabrayil” substation, the 330 kV “Jabrayil” junction substation, the “Giz Galasi” hydro-junction, and the residential complex under construction in the city of Jabrayil. The President also participated in the ceremony to put into operation the “Khudaferin” hydro-junction and the 14.2-kilometer Shukurbayli-Jabrayil section of the Shukurbayli-Jabrayil-Hadrut highway. As a result of the special attention of President Ilham Aliyev and First Lady Mehriban Aliyeva to the humanitarian and social sphere, the Mehdi Mehdizada secondary school was put into operation in the city of Jabrayil in a short period of time.

Gubadli district, established in 1930, is located in the southeastern part of Azerbaijan, bordering on Lachin and Zangilan districts, as well as Armenia. The district is mainly surrounded by mountainous terrain and is rich in the diverse natural landscapes of the region.

Gubadli is one of the ancient historical and ethnographic regions and was historically part of the Zangezur district (region). The region has been inhabited by Azerbaijanis since ancient times. Monuments such as a settlement called “Khirman yeri” dating back to the Late Bronze-Early Iron Age, the Koroglu fortress, Galacha, Maltepesi have been recorded in the territory of Gubadli district.

Gubadli district was occupied as a result of an attack by Armenian armed forces on August 31, 1993. As a result of the occupation, Gubadli's historical, architectural and religious monuments were destroyed, and the local population was subjected to aggression and forcibly displaced from their homeland.

As a result of the counter-offensive launched by the Azerbaijani Army on September 27, 2020, the city of Gubadli was liberated from occupation on October 25. Today, October 25 is celebrated as the Day of the City of Gubadli in accordance with the Decree of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan “On the Establishment of City Days in the Liberated Territories of the Republic of Azerbaijan”.

President Ilham Aliyev and First Lady Mehriban Aliyeva have repeatedly visited the liberated Gubadli district, familiarized themselves with the work underway in the district, participated in a number of events and held meetings with representatives of the district's community. The head of state gave necessary instructions and recommendations on the restoration and reconstruction of the district.

The head of state has also participated in the groundbreaking ceremony of the villages of Khanlig, Mahruzlu and Zilanli, the first residential neighborhood in the city of Gubadli, an administrative building, a secondary school and a central hospital, the Khanlig-Gubadli road of the Khudaferin-Gubadli-Lachin highway, the 35-kilovolt substation of “AzerIshig” OJSC, and the Digital Management Center.

President Ilham Aliyev got acquainted with projects of the “Zabukhchay” and “Bargushadchay” reservoirs to be established in the territory of Gubadli district, inaugurated the new military unit of the State Border Service and the system-forming 110/35/10 kV “Gubadli” substation.

Established as an administrative district on August 8, 1930, Zangilan is an important territory located in the southwestern part of Azerbaijan, also bordering on the Islamic Republic of Iran and Armenia. The district is rich in history, geography, culture, and economy.

The district has a unique climate and nature. There is a large area of natural plane trees in the basin of the Basitchay river in Zangilan. The natural plane tree forest, which has been around for centuries, is a world-famous fascinating place, the second largest in the world and the first in Europe in terms of the area it covers. Zangilan, which has a rich historical and cultural heritage, has a multitude of ancient temples, castles, residential areas and other archaeological monuments. Among them, the most valuable monuments of medieval architecture are the Sharifan and Yenikand mausoleums, the Mammadbayli mausoleum, the Zangilan city mosque, and the Bartaz maiden tower.

On October 29, 1993, Zangilan district was occupied by Armenian armed forces. As a result of the occupation, dozens of cultural, religious and historical monuments, residential and administrative buildings in the district were destroyed, the local population was subjected to aggression, and tens of thousands of people were internally displaced. During the occupation, as was the case in other occupied territories, environmental terrorism was committed in Zangilan district.

The city of Zangilan was liberated from Armenian occupation on October 20 of the same year as a result of the counter-offensive launched by the Azerbaijani Army on September 27, 2020. Today, October 20, is celebrated as the Day of the City of Zangilan in accordance with the Decree of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan “On the Establishment of City Days in the Liberated Territories of the Republic of Azerbaijan”.

As is the case in other territories liberated from occupation, large-scale restoration and reconstruction work is currently underway in Zangilan district. All conditions are being created for former internally displaced persons to live comfortably and well in their native lands. The return of former internally displaced persons to Zangilan began on July 19-25, 2022, and this process continues at an increasing pace.

The head of state regularly visits Zangilan district to closely familiarize himself with the work underway there, participates in groundbreaking and opening ceremonies, and holds meetings with representatives of the district community.

President Ilham Aliyev has laid the foundation of a “Smart Village” in Aghali village of Zangilan district, the internal road and communication network of Jahangirbayli, Alibayli and Zangilan villages, Minjivan settlement, and Zangilan city. In addition, the head of state has laid the foundation of five residential and administrative buildings, a school, a kindergarten, a central district hospital, a “Dost Agropark” and a Digital Substation in Zangilan city.

The head of state attended the opening ceremony of the first stage of the “Smart Village” project, the opening of the 110/35/10 kV “Zangilan” substation, the Digital Control Center of the Zangilan Electricity Network, the Jahangirbayli, Zangilan, Shayifli and Sarigishlag hydroelectric power stations, and the commissioning of the “Archimedes” turbine-type hydroelectric power station. The head of state has also inaugurated the Zangilan Congress Center and the “Aghali” hotel.

After the liberation of occupied territories, as part of the projects on the restoration of historical, religious and cultural monuments in Karabakh and East Zangezur, the ancient Zangilan Mosque was mothballed and a new mosque was built next to it. President Ilham Aliyev and First Lady Mehriban Aliyeva attended the opening ceremony of the mosque.

Lachin district is located in the southwestern part of the Republic of Azerbaijan, in a mountainous area. It borders on Kalbajar district in the north, Khojaly, Shusha and Khojavend districts the east, Gubadli district in the south, and the Republic of Armenia in the west.

The city of Lachin, which was called Abdallar until 1923, became the center of the Lachin administrative district, established in 1930.

Lachin has forests of red ironwood, considered the rarest tree in the world, and is also rich in mineral springs and mineral deposits. The historical, cultural and architectural monuments in available in the district, including the 9^th century Aghoghlan Temple, the 11^th century Damrovlu Pir Temple, the 17^th century Kar Kunbez mausoleum, the 15^th century Ushag Castle, the Baygara caves, medieval ram and horse monuments, mounds, cemeteries and dozens of other temples, were destroyed and appropriated after the occupation by Armenia on May 18, 1992. The rich natural resources of these territories were illegally exploited and plundered.

According to the trilateral declaration signed as a result of the Victory in the 44-day Patriotic War, Lachin district was returned to Azerbaijan on December 1, 2020. As a result of the diplomatic skill, principled position and iron will of the President of Azerbaijan, Lachin city, Zabukh and Sus villages were taken under control on August 26, 2022. Today, August 26 is celebrated as Lachin City Day in accordance with the Decree of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan “On the establishment of city days in the liberated territories of the Republic of Azerbaijan”.

As a result of the special attention of the President, large-scale restoration work is currently underway to revive the destroyed infrastructure of Lachin city and district, and residential areas are under construction. The return of former internally displaced persons to the city of Lachin began on May 27, 2023, and this process continues at an increasing pace.

As part of the Great Return program, the head of state inaugurated the village of Baylik, where various economic, social and household enterprises were built, intra-village roads, electricity, communications and water lines were laid, and gas supply was provided. President Ilham Aliyev met with residents moving into the village and presented them with the keys to their new houses.

The head of state inaugurated a number of fundamental and social infrastructure facilities in Lachin. Among these, the construction of an airport is of strategic importance. Lachin International Airport, located in a complex mountainous terrain and inaugurated by President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev and President of the Republic of Türkiye Recep Tayyip Erdogan on 28 May, 2025, is the third international airport to be built in the liberated territories.

As a result of the attention paid by the head of state to the restoration of liberated territories and the development of tourism in the region, the Lachin Recreation Complex, located on a mountain peak of Lachin district and intended to fully unlock the tourism potential of the region, has also been opened.

In addition, the modular Lachin Central Hospital, the Lachin city, Zabukh village and Sus village secondary schools, a medical center have been put into operation in Lachin city to date. The “Mishni”, “Alkhasli”, “Zabukh” and “Garigislag” small hydroelectric power stations, “Ashaghi Malibayli” and “Mirik” hydroelectric power stations, the Lachin city substation and the Lachin Electric Network Digital Management Center, administrative buildings of various organizations and a number of public catering facilities have also started operating.

The “Lachin Agro-Industrial Park”, which was opened on August 26, 2023 with the participation of President Ilham Aliyev and First Lady Mehriban Aliyeva, is currently expanding its activities. Located in the district’s Zerti village, the Park already has 12 enterprises in operation on its premises. The establishment of production facilities in the Lachin Industrial Park is of great importance in terms of the application of innovative technologies and the production of export-oriented products. All these steps will contribute to the transformation of the region, which has been underdeveloped in socioeconomic terms for many years as a result of the occupation, into an economically active place and return it to the economic turnover, thereby increasing the well-being of the local population. Within the framework of the implemented projects, the “Hakari Fish Farm” and the “Hochazfilm” creative studio have also started operating in Lachin.

Khankendi is one of the relatively young cities of Azerbaijan. According to archive documents, the city was built at the end of the 18^th century as a residential area for the recreation of Karabakh khans. Taking into account its proximity to other important cities and villages of the Karabakh khanate, such as Aghdam, Khojaly, Malibayli, Karkijahan and others, Khankendi was built 10 kilometers from the capital of the khanate, Panahabad (now Shusha), almost at the foot of mountains. This new settlement, as in other settlements of Karabakh, was inhabited only by the local population – Azerbaijanis.

Although Khankendi was built as a recreation center for the Karabakh khans, history falsifiers tried to appropriate the city by linking it with the name of criminal Stepan Shaumyan, who committed genocide against the Azerbaijani people. As if this wasn’t enough, the falsifiers tried to get rid of the rich historical and cultural heritage of Khankendi. Throughout history, ancient monuments of Khankendi have been demolished and new residential buildings have been built, the exterior of houses and administrative buildings in the city dating back to the 18-19^th centuries has been changed beyond recognition.

As a continuation of Victory in the Patriotic War and as a result of the one-day local anti-terrorist operation carried out by the Azerbaijani Army on September 19-20, 2023, the sovereignty of the country was fully restored. September 20 is celebrated as the Day of the City of Khankendi in accordance with the Order of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan “On Amendments to Order No. 4013 of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan dated July 31, 2023 “On the Establishment of City Days in the Liberated Territories of the Republic of Azerbaijan”.

The development of the city of Khankendi has always received special attention of National Leader Heydar Aliyev. Most of the buildings in Khankendi were constructed during the Great Leader's leadership of Azerbaijan.

After the full restoration of the sovereignty by Azerbaijan, a series of events took place in the city of Khankendi that will be written in the golden pages of Azerbaijan’s history. On October 15, 2023, President Ilham Aliyev raised the National Flag of the Republic of Azerbaijan in the city of Khankendi. On November 8, a military parade dedicated to the third anniversary of Victory in the Patriotic War was held and the 1/8 stage of the Azerbaijan Football Cup took place at the Khankendi stadium. On February 7, 2024, for the first time in the history of independent Azerbaijan, voting for the extraordinary presidential elections of Azerbaijan was held in Karabakh, precisely in the city of Khankendi.

In accordance with the instructions of the head of state, multifaceted work is currently underway in the city of Khankendi to develop the region. President Ilham Aliyev inaugurated kindergarten No. 1, secondary school No. 4 named after Nizami Ganjavi, the Karabakh University and the student dormitory of this educational institution after renovation.

In addition to historical and cultural monuments, the liberated territories have fascinating nature, underground and surface resources, and extensive tourism opportunities. The region has ample opportunities for the development of medical tourism, recreational tourism, ecotourism, and other types of tourism. The “Bulud” hotel, which was opened after major repairs and restoration by President Ilham Aliyev, as well as other infrastructure projects being implemented in the city, will play an important role in unlocking the tourism potential of liberated territories and attracting tourists to these regions.

As part of the efforts aimed at developing entrepreneurship in the liberated territories, extensive measures are being implemented. The Khankendi Congress Center and the "Khankendi" Business Center, part of the "Khankendi" Hotel Complex, inaugurated by President Ilham Aliyev, will play a significant role in creating a favorable business environment, generating new jobs, and contributing to the overall development of the city.

Aghdara district is a strategically important district located in the Karabakh region of Azerbaijan. The district, with a history dating back to ancient times, is part of Azerbaijan's rich cultural heritage.

Aghdara district is located in an area that is mainly mountainous, while the eastern part consists of plains and is rich in minerals. Forests occupy 44 percent of the district's territory. The main rivers are the Tartarchay and Khachinchay. The Sarsang water junction was created on the Tartarchay river in 1976.

In addition to its fascinating nature, Aghdara is one of Azerbaijan’s regions that is rich in historical and architectural monuments. Examples of historical and cultural monuments include the Ganjasar Alban monastery complex in the village of Vangli, the Saint Yagub monastery (Great Arran monastery) in the village of Kolatag, the Khatiravang monastery in the village of Gozlu, the Urachavang monastery in the village of Talish, the Saint Yelisey monastery complex in the village of Sugovushan, the 15^th-century fortress in the villages of Hatem Melik, Vangli, Chardagli and Umudlu.

A number of settlements, social infrastructure, as well as historical and architectural monuments were destroyed and appropriated in Aghdara district, which was occupied by Armenian armed forces on July 7, 1993.

On September 20, 2023, as a result of the local anti-terrorist operation carried out by the Azerbaijani Army in Karabakh, the city of Aghdara was freed of illegal armed formations. President Ilham Aliyev raised the National Flag of the Republic of Azerbaijan in Aghdara on October 15. Today, September 20, is celebrated as Aghdara City Day in accordance with Decree No. 4013 of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan “On Amendments to Decree of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan dated July 31, 2023 “On the Establishment of City Days in the Liberated Territories of the Republic of Azerbaijan”.

As part of the Great Return program, the return of former internally displaced persons to Aghdara district began on March 16, 2023, and this process continues at an increasing pace.

To date, the head of state has inaugurated the highway from the Sarsang reservoir to the Umudlu village of Aghdara and a mosque in the Sugovushan village of Aghdara district. President Ilham Aliyev has also attended a ceremony to commission a residential complex under construction in Sugovushan village of Aghdara district and presented the keys to the village residents who moved into their new apartments.

The territory of Aghdara district, which was abolished as an administrative territorial unit in 1992 and divided between Kalbajar, Tartar and Aghdam districts, was reorganized in accordance with the “Law of the Republic of Azerbaijan on the Establishment of Aghdara district of the Republic of Azerbaijan” signed by President Ilham Aliyev, with the village of Sugovushan returned to the district and the city of Aghdara becoming its center.

Khojaly district is one of the ancient settlements of Azerbaijan due to its historical significance. The territory of the district is rich in ancient architectural and cultural monuments. For example, the Khojaly mounds in the city of Khojaly dating back to the Late Bronze Age and Early Iron Age, the Haji Ali dome dating back to the 14^th century, the Asgaran fortress built in the 18^th century, Albanian-Christian monuments dating back to various periods, and dozens of other examples of material and cultural heritage can be cited.

Khojaly is located in the Karabakh range, between the cities of Aghdam and Khankendi, in a mainly mountainous area.

In the early hours of February 26, 1992, Armenian armed forces occupied Khojaly, committed an unprecedented act of genocide against the Azerbaijani population, massacring and capturing thousands of Azerbaijanis, and razing the entire city to the ground.

As a result of the one-day local anti-terrorist operation carried out by the Azerbaijani Army on September 19-20, 2023, the sovereignty of the country was fully restored and the city of Khojaly was liberated from occupation. Today, September 20, is celebrated as the Day of the City of Khojaly in accordance with Decree No. 4013 of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan “On Amendments to Decree of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan dated July 31, 2023 “On the Establishment of City Days in the Liberated Territories of the Republic of Azerbaijan”.

After the Historic Victory, President Ilham Aliyev raised the National Flag of the Republic of Azerbaijan in the city of Khojaly on October 15. President Ilham Aliyev and First Lady Mehriban Aliyeva visited a number of villages and settlements of Khojaly and inspected the territory of residential areas.

On February 26, 2024, the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev laid the foundation stone of the Khojaly Genocide Memorial in the city of Khojaly and met with representatives of the district community. As part of his traditional meetings with the population returning to the liberated territories on the Independence Day of the Republic of Azerbaijan, the head of state also met with residents settled in the city of Khojaly, where he got acquainted with the conditions created after the repair and reconstruction of 15 apartment buildings.

The return of former internally displaced persons to Khojaly began on May 28, 2024 , and this process continues at an increasing pace.

As is the case in other cities and districts liberated from occupation, work is underway to create social infrastructure in Khojaly. Secondary school No. 1 and a kindergarten have been renovated and put into operation in Khojaly.

President Ilham Aliyev has also attended the opening ceremonies of the “Khojaly” substation and the Digital Management Center, as well as the livestock complex of the “Goch Et” Peasant Farm LLC in the Khanabad village of Khojaly.

Kalbajar is one of the oldest human settlements of Azerbaijan. The emergence and formation of primitive man in this area is associated with the fourth geological period. This period represents a history of more than 4 million years. Kalbajar first received the status of an administrative district on August 8, 1930. Kalbajar, which largely has a mountainous terrain, is rich in numerous mineral water sources, flowing rivers and minerals.

There are many historical monuments from the Albanian period in Kalbajar. The most famous of them is the Khudavang temple. Other ancient Albanian monuments in Kalbajar include “Lachingaya”, “Lev”, “Ulukhan”, “Galaboynu”, “Jomard”, just to name a few. The rock carvings in the Kalbajar area are similar to the written and pictorial stones in Gobustan and are said to be their “twins”. The rock carvings in places such as Soltan Heydar, Gurbaghali Chay, Turshsu, Aychingilli, Gelingayasi, Boyukdavagozu, Sercheli and others are evidence that not only Kalbajar, but also the entire Azerbaijani land was an ancient human settlement.

In Kalbajar district, which was occupied by Armenia on April 2, 1993, numerous historical monuments were destroyed, their appearance was intentionally changed and appropriated, and social infrastructure and administrative buildings were destroyed.

As a result of Victory achieved in the 44-day Patriotic War, Kalbajar was liberated from occupation on November 25, 2020, in accordance with the Trilateral Statement signed on November 10. Today, November 25, is celebrated as the Day of the City of Kalbajar in accordance with the Decree of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan “On the Establishment of City Days in the Liberated Territories of the Republic of Azerbaijan”.

Currently, as a result of the special attention of the head of state, extensive restoration and reconstruction work is underway in Kalbajar, and indeed all other territories liberated from occupation.

President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev and First Lady Mehriban Aliyeva have attended the opening of the “Kalbajar” substation as part of their first visit to Kalbajar. The head of state got acquainted with the construction of a hydroelectric power station on the Lev river and laid the foundation stone of a 3.4-kilometer tunnel to be built on the Kalbajar-Lachin highway.

In accordance with the instructions of the head of state, the following small hydroelectric power stations (SHPs) have been commissioned in Kalbajar district to date: “Kalbajar-1”, “Meydan”, “Gamishli”, “Soyugbulag”, “Chirag-1”, “Chirag-2”, “Zar”, the “Yukhari Vang” hydroelectric power station, as well as the 110/35 kV “Istisu” substation.

The head of state has also participated in the groundbreaking ceremonies of the first and second residential complexes, an administrative building and a school building in the villages of Yanshag, Zallar and Zar of Kalbajar district, the Istisu settlement and the city of Kalbajar, and the opening ceremony of the “Istisu” mineral water plant.