Great Return: 21 Azerbaijani families move back to Khojavand's Sos village PHOTO

As part of Azerbaijan’s ongoing Great Return program, 21 Azerbaijani families comprising 94 people have returned to the village of Sos in the Khojavand district, Caliber.Az reports, citing local media.

The resettlement is being carried out in line with instructions from President Ilham Aliyev, as the process of returning former internally displaced persons to liberated territories continues.

Residents returning to their native lands expressed gratitude to President Ilham Aliyev and First Vice-President Mehriban Aliyeva for comprehensive state support. They also thanked the Azerbaijani Army, its soldiers and officers, and paid tribute to the martyrs who sacrificed their lives for the liberation of Azerbaijan’s lands.

“There is no feeling more beautiful than returning to one’s native land after 34 years,” said Ibrahim Najafov, a former internally displaced person who returned today to Sos village.

He noted that newly built homes, modern infrastructure, and social facilities in the village provide favourable conditions for comfortable living.

“We wish our Supreme Commander-in-Chief, President Ilham Aliyev, good health for giving us days filled with pride and joy. We wish our veterans health and strength. May Allah rest the souls of our martyrs in peace — it is thanks to their self-sacrifice that we are witnessing these days,” Najafov said.

Resettlement in Sos began in September 2025 with initial groups (10–20 families per phase). This brings the total to over 40 families, aligning with plans for 85 by year-end.

Launched following Azerbaijan’s Victory in the 44-day Patriotic War in 2020, the Great Return program is a large-scale, multi-dimensional initiative aimed at resettling more than one million former internally displaced persons in their native lands by 2030. 

The program includes the reconstruction of housing and infrastructure, as well as the development of schools, healthcare facilities, utilities, and other essential services, with particular emphasis on mine clearance and sustainable development.

By Khagan Isayev