Aghdam’s revival in full swing: Azerbaijani president tours major construction sites, key infrastructure, cultural projects PHOTO / UPDATED

On February 18, President Ilham Aliyev of Azerbaijan, accompanied by First Lady Mehriban Aliyeva, undertook a comprehensive review of several significant ongoing construction projects in the city of Aghdam, as part of the government's extensive efforts to revitalize the liberated territories.

One of the key projects visited was the Hilton Garden Inn, a modern hotel located near Aghdam’s city center, Caliber.Az reports via local media.

Emin Huseynov, Special Representative of the Azerbaijani President in the Aghdam, Fuzuli, and Khojavand districts, provided a detailed update on the hotel’s development. The hotel, which covers an area of 2.16 hectares, is set to feature 127 rooms and will offer a range of facilities, including conference halls, a restaurant, a fitness center, and a spa. With 60 per cent of construction completed, the Hilton Garden Inn is expected to be a significant addition to Aghdam’s hospitality infrastructure, providing employment opportunities and fostering tourism in the region.

The President’s visit continued with a tour of the newly inaugurated Aghdam Regional Digital Control Center and Training-Education Complex, a critical component of Azerbaijan's energy infrastructure.

Azerishig OJSC Chairman, Vugar Ahmadov, presented the digital control center, which is designed to optimize energy efficiency and reliability in the region. The complex, which is equipped to train power engineers and promote the use of renewable energy sources, is part of a larger initiative to restore electricity networks and ensure energy security in the liberated areas. President Aliyev emphasized the importance of these projects in supporting Aghdam's growing infrastructure and contributing to the broader economic recovery of the region.

As part of Aghdam city’s master plan, the Aghdam Regional Digital Control Center was built to support the city’s growing infrastructure, following its groundbreaking by President Ilham Aliyev on May 2, 2023.

The two-story center features two 2500 kVA power transformers and closed-type 35 kV and 0.4 kV distribution units on the first floor, with control, technical, and auxiliary rooms on the second floor. Electricity is supplied from the 110/35/10 kV “Aghdam-2” substation via a 35 kV aerial-cable line. The center ensures real-time digital control of the power grid, improving efficiency and reliability across the region. It also includes modern workspaces for engineers and a reception area for citizens.

President Ilham Aliyev then launched the Aghdam Regional Digital Control Center.

Next on the agenda was the Aghdam Mugham Center, a cultural hub dedicated to the preservation and promotion of Azerbaijan's mugham music. The center is nearing completion and will feature a 507-seat concert hall, a library, two dance halls, and an open-air amphitheater. With UNESCO's recognition of Azerbaijani mugham as a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity, this center is expected to play a pivotal role in furthering the nation’s rich cultural heritage.

In parallel to the city’s cultural revival, President Aliyev also visited the Aghdam Residence residential complex, which will provide modern housing for displaced families. Covering 1.55 hectares, the complex features six residential buildings with a total of 45 one-room, 108 two-room, and 48 three-room apartments. The development includes extensive landscaping, parks, and recreational facilities, providing residents with a comfortable and vibrant living environment. This marks a significant step in the government's plan to rebuild the city and offer a high quality of life for its citizens.

The President and First Lady also inspected the construction of a second residential complex in Aghdam, which will consist of 1,268 apartments. Located on the city's central street, the new complex is being built with modern architectural designs and will feature ample green spaces, sports fields, and other essential infrastructure.

Further highlighting the commitment to enhancing the region’s educational infrastructure, President Aliyev and First Lady Mehriban Aliyeva reviewed the progress of Aghdam city Secondary School No1, a 960-seat school under construction. The school, expected to open in 2025, will offer a range of educational facilities, including science laboratories, STEAM rooms, and a library, as well as a gym and auditorium.

Additionally, the President and First Lady visited the site of a new nursery-kindergarten in Aghdam, which is being built to accommodate 160 children. The new facility is set to offer modern educational spaces for the youngest residents of Aghdam, contributing to the region's educational infrastructure.

Finally, the President and First Lady were briefed on the conceptual project for the Asgaran Fortress Complex, an ambitious plan to preserve and develop the 18th-century fortress. The project will include archaeological excavations, the creation of an open-air historical park, and facilities for cultural events and recreational activities. The fortress, an important symbol of Azerbaijani history, will be transformed into a cultural and tourism destination that will contribute to the region's development and preservation of its heritage.

These projects represent a broad and multifaceted approach to rebuilding Aghdam, with a focus on energy infrastructure, housing, education, culture, and tourism. 

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On February 18, President Ilham Aliyev of Azerbaijan, accompanied by First Lady Mehriban Aliyeva, embarked on a tour of several ongoing construction projects in Aghdam, a region that is undergoing significant development following its restoration.

Their visit highlighted the continuous efforts to revitalize the city and enhance its infrastructure, Caliber.Az reports via local media.

One of the key stops was the Hilton Garden Inn, which is under construction near the city center.

Emin Huseynov, Special Representative of the Azerbaijani President in the Aghdam, Fuzuli, and Khojavand districts, provided a detailed update on the hotel’s development. Covering an area of 2.16 hectares, the Hilton Garden Inn will feature three blocks with 2, 6, and 7 floors. With 127 rooms designed to meet modern hospitality standards, the hotel will offer high-end amenities, including a lobby, conference rooms, a restaurant, banquet halls, a fitness center, a swimming pool, and a spa. Currently, 60 per cent of the construction is complete, and the hotel is expected to employ more than 100 staff members upon its completion.

Following the hotel site visit, the President and First Lady also attended the inauguration of the Aghdam Regional Digital Management Centre and the Training and Education Complex, owned by Azerishig OJSC, aimed at strengthening the region's technological and educational capabilities.

Additionally, the couple inspected the construction progress of the Aghdam Mugham Centre, a cultural facility designed to preserve and promote the rich musical heritage of Azerbaijan.

The President and First Lady also toured the newly built "Aghdam Residence" residential complex, which includes 209 apartments, and reviewed conditions at the second residential complex currently under construction in the city. This complex will offer 1,267 apartments, further addressing the housing needs of the growing population in the region.

By Vafa Guliyeva