Keys to future: Azerbaijan resettles 232 people in Aghdam’s Khidirli under Great Return program PHOTO / UPDATED

A new wave of former internally displaced persons (IDPs) has returned to their native village of Khidirli in Azerbaijan’s Aghdam district as part of the government-led repatriation initiative known as the Great Return.

A total of 60 families—comprising 232 individuals—were officially resettled in the village and presented with keys to newly built apartments designed to support their long-term reintegration, Caliber.Az reports via local media.

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Under the directives of President Ilham Aliyev, Azerbaijan’s Great Return initiative has marked another powerful chapter in national recovery, as over 100 families resettle in their long-lost homes in Jabrayil and Aghdam.

A new group of former internally displaced persons (IDPs) began their return to the newly restored city of Jabrayil and the village of Khidirli, in Aghdam district, Caliber.Az reports via local media.

During this latest phase of the resettlement initiative, 50 families—comprising 199 individuals—are being relocated to Jabrayil, while 60 families—totaling 235 individuals—are returning to Khidirli.

Expressing profound gratitude, the returning IDPs extended their thanks to President Ilham Aliyev and First Vice-President Mehriban Aliyeva for the state’s comprehensive support and care. They also voiced heartfelt appreciation for the valiant Azerbaijani Armed Forces, whose heroic soldiers and officers fought to reclaim the nation's occupied territories. Many offered prayers for the martyrs who sacrificed their lives in the struggle for liberation, wishing peace upon their souls.

“I will walk every inch of the liberated land as soon as I return to Jabrayil,” declared Khuraman Asadova, one of the returnees. She added that this day had been a long-cherished dream:

“We are grateful to the Supreme Commander-in-Chief and our victorious Army for giving us this day. May Allah rest the souls of our martyrs and grant health to our veterans.”

Another returnee, Kamila Mustafayeva, reflected on the personal significance of her homecoming:

“I left my homeland with my parents, and now I am returning there with my child. We haven't been there since the liberation of Jabrayil. I am looking forward to finally being in my hometown. May Allah rest the souls of all our martyrs and grant health to our president and our veterans.”

Mehriban Turabkhanova, also among those returning, highlighted the emotional resonance of this moment.

“We eagerly awaited the day when Jabrayil would be liberated. A new life is beginning in Karabakh. May God protect our state and our army. Now we will live in our own homes, in our native Karabakh. Returning here after so many years is a real miracle for me.”

Approximately 50,000 people currently reside in Karabakh and East Zangezur. This population includes not only former IDPs, but also individuals engaged in various regional development projects, as well as those employed by state institutions in sectors such as healthcare, education, culture, tourism, industry, and energy.

By Vafa Guliyeva