On November 20, 2020, Aghdam district was liberated from occupation without a single shot fired, without bloodshed. This was the result of Azerbaijan's victory in the 44-day Patriotic War of 2020, both on the battlefield and on the political front. The success achieved on the battlefield allowed for the liberation of Kalbajar and Lachin districts, in addition to Aghdam.
The post-occupation landscape of Aghdam was horrific. The city had been razed to the ground. For this reason, Aghdam was also called the Hiroshima of the Caucasus. Azerbaijan suffers from the problem of its territories being contaminated with mines as a result of the nearly 30-year conflict and the occupation of its lands by Armenia, and is among the most mine-contaminated countries in the world. Approximately 12 percent of the country's territory is contaminated with an estimated 1.5 million mines and an unknown number of unexploded ordnance. In Aghdam alone, nearly 100,000 mines were laid. During the nearly thirty years of occupation, hundreds of people, including women and children, became victims of mines. The laid mines hinder the construction and restoration process carried out in the region, as well as the return of former internally displaced persons to their lands.
The Armenian side, grossly violating all norms and principles of international law, also changed geographical names in Aghdam district and plundered property there. All Muslim monuments were destroyed and desecrated. At the same time, mosques were used for military purposes or as stables. As Mr. President stated, the ruined city of Aghdam is a witness to Armenian barbarism.
For the past 5 years, a new stage has begun in Aghdam. Despite being the most mined area, high-level restoration and reconstruction work is being carried out here. In accordance with the city's master plan, new settlements are being built here. During Mr. President's visits to Aghdam, new settlements and social facilities are commissioned. As a result of the operation of the Aghdam-1 and Aghdam-2 substations, the entire district is sustainably supplied with electricity. At the same time, industrial enterprises meeting modern standards have started operating here. This also contributes to ensuring the employment of the population returning here.
In general, comprehensive measures are being implemented for the return of our former internally displaced persons and for them to live in prosperous and safe conditions here. Repatriation to Aghdam has also begun this year. Thus, by October 2025, 825 families, or 3318 people, have returned to their native lands.
President Ilham Aliyev stated during one of his visits to Aghdam that “we started restoration work without losing time after the historic Victory, we demonstrated political will, we mobilized all our financial and technical capabilities, and human resources.” Over five years, very important steps have been taken regarding the future development of Aghdam, and today we see concrete results. Currently, large-scale construction and restoration work continues in Aghdam. On November 20, Aghdam City Day, Aghdam showcases an example of development as a stronger, more modern region. Our tricolor flag will wave eternally in Aghdam.
Member of Parliament
Konul Nurullayeva