Fuzuli district, one of the ancient lands of Azerbaijan, is distinguished by its rich historical, cultural, and religious heritage. This area, forming an important part of the Karabakh region, has played a significant role in Azerbaijan's socio-political, economic, and spiritual life for centuries. Ancient settlements, architectural monuments, tombs, mosques, and caravanserais exist on Fuzuli land. The Juma Mosque, Mirali Tomb, Ahmadalilar and Babi Tombs, Kerbalayi Rzayev House located in the district, as well as ancient settlements along the Araz River, confirm that this land is rich in historical and religious monuments.
On August 23, 1993, Fuzuli district was occupied by Armenia. As a result of the occupation, 51 villages of the district, Fuzuli city, and many settlements were completely devastated. Thousands of peaceful residents were displaced from their native lands, and historical monuments, mosques, cemeteries, and cultural centers were destroyed.
As a result of Armenia's military aggression, Fuzuli city remained a “city turned into ruins” for years. During the occupation, the district's territory was contaminated with mines and unexploded ordnance.
The Patriotic War, which began on September 27, 2020, demonstrated the will of the Azerbaijani people to restore historical justice. Under the leadership of the Victorious Supreme Commander-in-Chief, President Ilham Aliyev, the Azerbaijani Army showed unparalleled heroism for 44 days, liberating the occupied territories.
The battles for Fuzuli were one of the most important and difficult stages of the war. The Azerbaijani Army liberated Fuzuli city from occupation on October 17, 2020. This historic victory was of great strategic and moral importance. The liberation of Fuzuli created conditions for the successful conduct of subsequent operations in the direction of Zangilan, Gubadli, and Shusha.
During the Fuzuli operation, Azerbaijani soldiers advanced through areas filled with mines and natural barriers. At every step, heroism, loyalty, and patriotism were demonstrated. The brave soldiers of our Victorious Army liberated this city at the cost of their lives, bringing pride and honor to our people.
Clearing operations conducted after liberation showed that Fuzuli is the most contaminated area among the liberated districts in terms of the number of mines. This fact once again demonstrates the scale of the occupation and the extent of Armenian vandalism.
By order of President Ilham Aliyev, extensive demining operations are being carried out in the area, and necessary conditions are being created for the safe return of people.
It should be noted that immediately after Fuzuli's liberation, large-scale reconstruction work began under the leadership of President Ilham Aliyev towards the restoration of the city and district. Within the framework of the “Great Return Program,” Fuzuli city is being rebuilt based on a modern urban concept.
Fuzuli International Airport, the Fuzuli-Shusha highway, the Victory Road, Fuzuli electrical substation, water, gas, and energy infrastructure, residential areas, schools, and social facilities have already been put into operation in a short time.
The support of fraternal countries in the restoration of Azerbaijan's liberated territories should be specially noted. The “Oriental Style Kindergarten” built by the Republic of Uzbekistan in Fuzuli city and other social projects are a manifestation of the fraternal ties between our peoples.
It should be specially noted that the fraternal Republic of Turkey plays an important role in the restoration process of the liberated territories. Infrastructure projects, humanitarian and technical support programs implemented by Turkish state institutions and companies in Fuzuli and other regions are a clear example of fraternal relations between the two countries. Turkey's moral support and political solidarity are of particular importance on the path of development of liberated Karabakh.
At the same time, the Republic of Kazakhstan also demonstrated its material and moral support by implementing the “Kazakhstan-Azerbaijan Friendship School” project in Fuzuli district.
It should be emphasized that during his visit to Karabakh, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, Chairman of the People's Council of Turkmenistan, proposed the construction of a mosque by Turkmenistan in Fuzuli city. This initiative is an indicator of the high importance given to the common values of the Turkic world, Islamic culture, and the spiritual revival of our liberated lands.
As a continuation of Turkmenistan's noble initiative, an online groundbreaking ceremony for the mosque to be built in Fuzuli city was held at the 12th Summit of the Organization of Turkic States, organized in Gabala on October 7, 2025. This ceremony is regarded as a historical event that further strengthens the unity, friendship, and spiritual solidarity of the Turkic world.
Overall, the multiple visits of President, Victorious Supreme Commander-in-Chief Ilham Aliyev to Fuzuli city are a clear indicator of the state-level attention given to these lands. The opening of various facilities and groundbreaking ceremonies for new projects with the participation of the head of state have become a symbol of Fuzuli's rapid revival.
Consequently, today Fuzuli city is a symbol of life born from ruins, of rebuilt land, and of the unwavering will of the people. Fuzuli City Day expresses not only the liberation of a district but also the triumph of Azerbaijan's territorial integrity, justice, and national unity.
Siyavush Novruzov
Chairman of the Regional Affairs Committee of the Milli Majlis