Azerbaijan’s Jabrayil welcomes back 37 families, decades after Karabakh conflict PHOTO

Another group of former internally displaced persons has set off for the newly rebuilt city of Jabrayil in Karabakh, marking another step in Azerbaijan’s resettlement programme.

The families, who had previously been housed in dormitories, sanatoriums, children’s camps, unfinished buildings and administrative facilities across the country, departed from the Garadagh district of Baku, Caliber.Az reports via local media.

A total of 37 families—comprising 212 people—have returned to their hometown as part of the government-led initiative.

"I dream of living in Jabrayil for at least a few years"

Zyari Teymurova, one of the returnees, said her first stop would be her native village to visit the graves of her relatives.

"I have missed my homeland so much," she stressed. "After so many years apart, we are finally returning to Jabrayil as a family—my husband, my children and I. I only ask Allah to grant me a few years to live here."

"We are returning home after 32 years"

Ramiz Teymurov, another resident making the journey back, echoed similar sentiments, saying his first visit in Jabrayil would be to the burial sites of his grandparents.

"We will go to pay our respects. I am a pensioner, and I intend to spend the rest of my life here," he said.

He also praised Azerbaijan’s leadership and military for the return of Jabrayil to Azerbaijani control.

"I will first visit the sacred places, then go to my village. Glory to our Commander-in-Chief! Under his leadership, our army liberated our lands. May Allah bless the souls of our martyrs and grant health to our veterans," he added.

Following Azerbaijan’s victory in the 2020 war, led by President Ilham Aliyev, thousands of former displaced persons have been given the opportunity to return home voluntarily, safely, and with dignity after three decades.

Jabrayil residents expressed their gratitude to the head of state and First Vice-President Mehriban Aliyeva for their support, while also thanking the Azerbaijani army for reclaiming the region.

Notably, currently, approximately 30,000 people, including former IDPs and various professionals, reside in the liberated regions of Karabakh and East Zangezur. This population includes individuals engaged in the reconstruction and development of these areas, as well as employees from state institutions, healthcare, education, culture, tourism, industry, and energy sectors who have resumed their activities.

By Aghakazim Guliyev