Reconstruction Efforts Gain Momentum in Azerbaijan’s Liberated Aghdam

In the wake of liberation from occupation, extensive construction and rehabilitation efforts are underway in Azerbaijan’s Aghdam district, mirroring the revitalization seen in other liberated regions. The city of Aghdam, along with the villages of Kangarli, Sarijali, and Khidirli, are witnessing significant rebuilding initiatives.

Leyla Sarabi, Spokesperson for Karabakh Economic Region Restoration, Construction and Management Service, said plans to construct 719 houses in Khidirli, 203 in Sarijali, and 292 in Kangarli would be complete by the end of this year.

“In Kangarli, most of the houses have already seen the completion of masonry works, with roofing currently being installed and plastering operations in progress inside the homes. Each house will be equipped with solar panels, embracing the use of alternative energy sources. The near future will see the commencement of construction for a school, kindergarten, communication hub, medical facility, club community center, and administrative buildings,” Sarabi stated.

The completion of these facilities, along with the central communication system and road infrastructure, is anticipated by the end of this year.

The initial phase of reconstruction in the Aghdam district includes one city and 12 villages. The first phase of work in the villages of Sarijali, Khidirli, and Kangarli is scheduled for completion by the end of 2024.

A significant part of Aghdam, including the city and 89 villages, comprising about 73 percent of the district’s territory, was occupied by Armenia’s armed forces during the First Karabakh War that lasted until 1994. A small number of villages in the district remained under Azerbaijan’s control.

About 6,000 residents of the district were killed, and 126,000 were forcibly displaced in the wake of Armenia’s attack. During almost 30 years of occupation, Armenians destroyed almost the entire infrastructure of the district.

In 2020, Azerbaijan liberated a significant part of the occupied territories during a 44-day-long war that erupted following Armenian armed provocations. As a result of counter-offensive measures by the armed forces of Azerbaijan, the country regained control over around 300 settlements and unnamed strategic heights in the Karabakh (Garabagh) and East Zangazur regions, including the cities of Jabrayil, Fuzuli, Zangilan, Gubadli, and Shusha.

On November 10, 2020, a tripartite statement signed by Armenia, Azerbaijan and Russia ceased hostilities. The document obliged Armenia to return the occupied districts of Aghdam, Kalbajar and Lachin to Azerbaijan by December 1, 2020. Aghdam became the first Azerbaijani district liberated under the clauses of the legally binding document.

Following the 44-day war, Aghdam has been a focal point for extensive reconstruction initiated by the Azerbaijani government. This rehabilitation endeavor is part of the ongoing comprehensive reconstruction initiative encompassing the Karabakh and East Zangazur regions of Azerbaijan. Post-reconstruction, Aghdam is anticipated to regain its original appearance and welcome back its residents.

As part of the overarching reconstruction initiative, Azerbaijan embarked on the construction of the Aghdam Industrial Park in August 2022, spanning an area of 190 hectares (470 acres). The park includes social and technical zones, incorporating sectors such as food production, light industry, services, and extensive industrial enterprises. It will additionally include facilities for building material sales and a vehicle park.

In December 2023, President Ilham Aliyev inaugurated the “Aghdam” junction substation, as well as laid the foundation stones for the 5th residential complex designed for 1,115 apartments to accommodate former internally displaced persons, and for the 4th residential complex comprising 1,080 apartments.

Moreover, President Aliyev toured the reconstruction site of the 18th-century Imarat Royal Complex of the Karabakh Khans, initiated the construction of Central Park on a 5-hectare territory, inspected the 189.7 kilometers long internal roads, broke the ground for the villages of Giyasli, Salahli Kangarli, and Bash Garvand, as well as inaugurated the renovated Khachinchay Water Reservoir and opened the Barda-Aghdam highway.