Aghdam reborn: High-speed train, returning families, bright future ahead Symbol of restoration

"Ghost town", "Hiroshima of the Caucasus" – this is how foreign journalists and representatives of the diplomatic corps who visited Aghdam in the first months after its liberation from Armenian occupation described it, shocked by what they saw. And these were not just words, but reality, as the once flourishing city was almost wiped off the face of the earth during the more than 27 years of occupation.

The homes, the palace complex of Panahali Khan, the founder of the Karabakh Khanate, "Imaret," the city stadium, the famous Bread Museum, medical and educational facilities, and over 20 industrial enterprises – including a winery that exported goods, an oil mill, a mechanical plant, as well as silk and dairy factories – were all either completely or partially destroyed. The mosques and cemeteries were also vandalised.

But in the fall of 2020, the dark days of this beautiful city came to an end. On November 23, President Ilham Aliyev raised the three-colored flag of the Republic of Azerbaijan in the liberated Aghdam, made possible by Azerbaijan's historic victory in the 44-day Patriotic War.

On that day, in his speech in front of the Aghdam mosque, the head of state said: 

“It is a historic day today. We are celebrating our glorious victory. The ruined city of Aghdam is a witness to Armenian atrocities. We will restore the city of Aghdam and all the villages. Let no-one ever doubt that. It will be a difficult task. Of course, it will take a lot of effort. But just as we have shown unity for 44 days, I am confident that we will show unity and determination in the restoration of our liberated lands. We will restore all our cities and built even more beautiful cities. We will restore the remaining historical sites in our cities and show our strength once again.”

And these words of President Ilham Aliyev have become a reality today, just five years later. By September 2021, Aghdam was cleared of mines, a truly phenomenal achievement, considering that almost the entire area had been heavily mined.

Following this, the process of rebuilding the infrastructure began: the construction and reconstruction of roads connecting Aghdam with various cities in the region, the development of residential neighbourhoods, schools, and medical facilities. Additionally, the Aghdam Industrial Park was built and put into operation, and the famous Aghdam Mosque and the "Imaret" complex were restored.

The city began to see the return of former displaced families: by July–August 2025, hundreds of families had already returned to their homeland, and in the coming years, the resettlement of thousands of residents from the district is planned. Now, they can reach Aghdam from Baku by train, and not just any train, but a high-speed one. Modern FLIRT electric trains from the Swiss company Stadler now depart from Baku's railway station every Saturday at 07:10. Passengers have access to four service classes, ranging from standard to first class, with Wi-Fi and an automatic system for obtaining permits for travel to the liberated territories.

After passing through the stations of Baladjar, Ucar, Laki, Yevlakh, Barda, Kecharly, and Tazakand, the train arrives at the Aghdam railway and bus station complex at 11:53. The foundation for this complex was laid on October 4, 2022, with the participation of President Ilham Aliyev and First Lady Mehriban Aliyeva.

The opening of this strategic infrastructure project, which serves the development of Aghdam as a modern city, took place on May 10 of this year with the participation of the president.

The railway station will allow the daily transport of 800–1,000 passengers, while the bus station will serve 1,300–1,500 passengers daily. And this is truly remarkable.

The restoration of the railway link between Baku and Aghdam is more than just a logistical development. It represents a symbol of recovery, independence, and the revitalisation of a land that had long awaited its rightful owners. It also serves as a powerful example of Azerbaijan’s capacity to independently address complex military, political, and economic challenges.

Aghdam, once a symbol of destruction and occupation, is now undergoing a remarkable revival. This transformation demonstrates how a dream can become reality, with the actions of the country’s leader consistently reflecting his words.