Azerbaijani president, first lady lit Novruz bonfire with new residents of Aghdara's Hasanriz village UPDATED / PHOTO

On March 18, President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev and First Lady Mehriban Aliyeva visited Hasanriz village in the Aghdara district, where they met with residents who have recently relocated to the area. 

During the visit, the head of state and the First Lady inspected the ongoing restoration efforts on private homes and infrastructure, Caliber.Az reports, citing local media.

The President engaged in a warm conversation with the residents, discussing the progress of reconstruction and the government's commitment to revitalizing the region. The newly resettled residents expressed their gratitude for the extensive restoration initiatives and support provided by the Azerbaijani leadership.

Following the discussions, President Aliyev and First Lady Aliyeva joined the residents in lighting the traditional Novruz bonfire, marking the celebration of the national holiday. The event symbolized renewal and the spirit of resilience as the community embraced the return to their ancestral lands.

President Ilham Aliyev: Live here comfortably and happily. You endured pain for 30 years—both moral pain, which is the heaviest burden, and the hardships of being refugees and displaced persons. That word is now slowly disappearing from our vocabulary.

Resident: National Leader Heydar Aliyev once said that Azerbaijani society must be able to withstand any difficulties if necessary – precisely for the sake of independence, freedom, and a strong state. When we achieved Victory, we once again realized how profound and valuable the National Leader’s words were. May his soul rest in peace.

President Ilham Aliyev: Yes, that is true. If he had not come to power at the request of the Azerbaijani people at that time, Azerbaijan could have been completely destroyed. In fact, the developments before 1993 were leading in that direction – occupation of our lands, internal strife, and civil war. The National Leader put an end to all of that, and the creation of a regular army is also linked to his name. We, his followers, have simply continued down his path, further strengthening our country, mobilizing all our resources, creating an iron fist, and crushing the enemy. And now, we are celebrating our holidays here. There can be no greater happiness than this. I congratulate you once again. Happy holidays!

Residents: Thank you very much. Good luck, and happy holidays once again!

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The head of state and the First Lady then visited the Flag Square in Hasanriz village, where the Azerbaijani tricolor flag waves on a 17-meter-high flagpole. The location of the Flag Square was chosen to offer a beautiful view, not only of Hasanriz village but also of nearby villages.

March 18, 14:09 

On March 18, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and First Lady Mehriban Aliyeva attended the inauguration of a newly reconstructed highway connecting the Sarsang Reservoir to Umudlu village in the Aghdara district.

The newly completed road, stretching 9.4 kilometres, is a fourth-class technical road with traffic lanes 6 meters wide, designed to ensure smooth and safe traffic flow. This reconstruction was carried out to a high standard in line with an order signed by President Aliyev last year, Caliber.Az reports, citing local media.

Saleh Mammadov, Chairman of the Board of the State Agency of Azerbaijan Automobile Roads, briefed the president on the project's progress and its completion.

Later that day, the President and First Lady visited the residents of Hasanriz village, who had relocated to the area. They reviewed the restoration efforts on private homes and other infrastructure in the village. To mark the occasion, the couple participated in lighting the Novruz bonfire with the local residents, celebrating the traditional holiday together.

Then the President and First Lady attended the inauguration ceremony of a newly built residential complex in Sugovushan village. As part of the event, they personally handed over apartment keys to the new residents, symbolizing the government’s efforts to enhance living conditions in the region.

Additionally, the Azerbaijani leaders attended the inauguration of a mosque in Sugovushan village. The newly constructed mosque stands as a testament to the government’s dedication to restoring cultural and religious heritage in liberated territories.

By Khagan Isayev