Azerbaijan plans integrated development of 12 cities in Karabakh

Azerbaijan is planning the integrated development of 12 cities and 11 settlements in Karabakh and Eastern Zangezur, Chairman of the State Committee for Urban Planning and Architecture Anar Guliyev said at the 2nd Azerbaijan International Investment Forum (AIIF 2026) in Baku.

Guliyev said Azerbaijan’s goal was to ensure that sustainability and investment attractiveness develop in parallel, adding that the approach extends beyond Baku and forms part of a new stage in the country’s spatial development, Caliber.Az reports per local media. 

“This approach is not limited to Baku. The reconstruction of Karabakh and Eastern Zangezur represents a new stage in Azerbaijan's spatial development. We are not simply restoring infrastructure and settlements, but also creating new urban and economic centres supported by modern transport connectivity, social infrastructure and renewable energy potential,” he said.

He said the scale of the transformation was significant, with the integrated planning framework for the liberated territories covering approximately 13,600 square kilometres.

“The integrated planning framework for the liberated territories covers an area of approximately 13,600 square kilometres, including 12 cities, 11 settlements and nearly 900 villages. The projected population is approximately 1.1 million people. However, the significance of this transformation is not limited to its scale but is reflected in the comprehensive approach we are applying. Urban planning is carried out together with transport connectivity, economic activity, environmental management, energy systems, social infrastructure and demographic development,” Guliyev said.

He added that the liberated territories were being connected through new highways, railways and airports.

“The region has also been declared a 'green energy zone.' This creates opportunities not only in construction and real estate, but also in renewable energy, tourism, hospitality, logistics, industry and modern urban planning. This process is creating a new geography of investment for Azerbaijan and carries broader strategic significance. The development of Karabakh and Eastern Zangezur strengthens links between communities, economic centres and markets, while also enhancing Azerbaijan's role as a regional transport-logistics and investment hub,” he said.

By Sabina Mammadli