President Aliyev Visits Aghdam to Assess Reconstruction Efforts

President Ilham Aliyev, on Thursday, visited several key locations in liberated Aghdam, an Azerbaijani district currently undergoing large-scale reconstruction following 27 years of Armenian occupation.

One of the major stops in the Aghdam district was the village of Eyvazkhanbeyli, where President Aliyev laid the foundation stone. This village is part of a larger plan that also includes the neighboring villages of Shishpapaglar and Kosalar. The combined project spans nearly 300 hectares. It will feature 1,091 houses to accommodate over 4,000 people.

During his visit, the president emphasized the importance of local employment, noting that the village will have schools, medical centers, and various entertainment facilities.

President Aliyev also visited Kangarli and Khydyrli, where major reconstruction efforts are underway. These villages were severely affected during the First Karabakh War and are now undergoing large-scale rebuilding.

In Kangarli, 292 homes are being built, with almost 95% of the exterior work complete. In Khydyrli, plans include constructing 719 homes to house nearly 3,000 people, with infrastructure development already in progress. Both villages are expected to provide numerous employment opportunities through cultural centers, businesses, and agricultural projects.

President Aliyev also participated in several important inaugurations in Aghdam city. He opened the Aghdam City Hotel, a five-story facility with 130 rooms, including accommodations for people with disabilities. Additionally, he laid the foundation for the "Imarat" stadium, which will meet UEFA standards and can seat up to 11,700 people. This new stadium is part of the government’s broader “Great Return” program aimed at revitalizing the region.

The president’s visit also included the inauguration of the Imarat Complex, which holds historical and cultural significance. The complex, which includes the palace of Panahali Khan, was heavily damaged during the occupation but has now been restored. Restoration work, which began in 2023, involved both local and international experts to preserve its historical integrity.

During his tour, President Aliyev inspected the ongoing development at Aghdam Industrial Park. This park is one of Azerbaijan’s largest industrial hubs, second only to the Sumgayit Chemical Industrial Park.

With investments exceeding 238 million manats (or about $140 million), the Aghdam Industrial Park is expected to create over 2,000 jobs. Currently, 33 business entities, both resident and non-resident, are set to operate within the park. These companies will engage in sectors such as food production, light industry, and construction materials, contributing to the economic revival of Aghdam.

Aghdam has been a focal point of reconstruction since its liberation in 2020 after nearly three decades of Armenian occupation. During the First Karabakh War, much of Aghdam was destroyed by Armenian forces, leaving the city and its villages in ruins. Following the 44-day war in 2020, Azerbaijan launched an ambitious reconstruction project across the Karabakh region.