Azerbaijan marks fourth anniversary of Fuzuli's liberation from Armenian occupation

Today, on October 17, Azerbaijan marks the City Day of Fuzuli and the fourth anniversary of its liberation from Armenian occupation.

On October 17, 2020, Azerbaijani President and Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces Ilham Aliyev addressed the nation to announce the liberation of Fuzuli City and seven villages in the region—Gochahmadli, Chimen, Juvarly, Pirahmadli, Musabayli, Ishigly, and Dedeli, Caliber.Az recalls.

The Fuzuli operation was one of the critical battles fought by the Azerbaijani Army on the southeastern front during the Second Karabakh War. Additionally, breaching several defensive lines located along the former contact line in Fuzuli opened significant opportunities for the advancement of the Azerbaijani Army along the southern front.

Fuzuli, one of Azerbaijan's major urban settlements, was established in 1827. In 1930, the Garabulaq district was formed, encompassing villages such as Gozluchay, Kondalanchay, and Arazboyu, along both sides of the Fuzuli-Aghdam highway. In 1959, in honour of the 400th anniversary of the great Azerbaijani poet Muhammad Fuzuli, the district was renamed Fuzuli District. The area covered 1,386 square kilometres and had a population of 134,333, comprising one city and 78 villages.

On August 23, 1993, the Armenian Armed Forces occupied 58 villages of the district, including the city of Fuzuli.

The Fuzuli district is rich in historical and religious monuments, with numerous mausoleums located throughout the region. Like other settlements in Azerbaijan, the Fuzuli district suffered extensive vandalism during the Armenian occupation, with houses and historical sites completely destroyed and trees eradicated.

In accordance with the decree issued by President Ilham Aliyev on July 31, 2023, October 17 is celebrated annually as Fuzuli City Day.

By Khagan Isayev