Azerbaijani, Turkmen presidents inspect reconstruction work in Fuzuli PHOTO

President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev and President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov have visited the city of Fuzuli, where they inspected areas destroyed during the period of Armenian occupation and were briefed on ongoing reconstruction efforts.

Special Representative of the President for the Aghdam, Fuzuli and Khojavand districts Emin Huseynov informed the Turkmen president about large-scale destruction and acts of vandalism during the 30-year Armenian occupation, as well as current and planned redevelopment projects under the city’s master plan, Caliber.Az reports via state media. 

Fuzuli, previously a densely populated urban centre, was heavily damaged during the period of Armenian occupation and has since been included in a comprehensive reconstruction programme following its liberation.

Under the approved master plan, the city—covering nearly 2,000 hectares—is being redeveloped as a modern urban settlement. Its is planned to accommodate around 50,000 residents by 2040, with the development of transport and logistics infrastructure linking the Karabakh and East Zangezur economic regions. The reconstruction strategy includes the implementation of a “smart city” concept in line with modern urban planning standards.

During the visit, the Turkmen president was also briefed on a mosque under construction in Fuzuli as part of Turkmenistan’s involvement in reconstruction efforts. The foundation of the mosque was laid in a ceremony involving President Ilham Aliyev, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, and other leaders during the 12th Summit of the Organization of Turkic States in Gabala in October.

The planned mosque complex will cover more than one hectare and include two 40-metre minarets and a 30-metre central dome, with capacity for up to 500 worshippers.