Great Return: 32 more families relocate to Jabrayil, Azerbaijan

Another group of former internally displaced persons in Azerbaijan has moved to the newly reconstructed city of Jabrayil. This significant milestone is part of the country's ongoing efforts to resettle citizens displaced during the nearly three-decade-long Armenian occupation of Azerbaijani territories.

Families living in temporary accommodations such as dormitories, sanatoriums, children’s camps, unfinished buildings, and administrative facilities across various regions of Azerbaijan departed today from the Garadagh district of Baku to return to their native lands, Caliber.Az reports via local media.

This phase of the resettlement programme includes 32 families, comprising a total of 153 individuals, marking a crucial step in the reconstruction and revitalisation of Jabrayil.

The resettlement process has been made possible due to the decisive victory of the Azerbaijani Army in the 44-day Patriotic War under the leadership of President Ilham Aliyev, who is also the Supreme Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces. This triumph has allowed displaced families to voluntarily, safely, and with dignity return to their homeland after 30 years of displacement.

Residents of Jabrayil expressed their heartfelt gratitude to the President and First Vice President Mehriban Aliyeva for their unwavering support and comprehensive care. They also extended their thanks to the Azerbaijani Army for liberating their lands, prayed for the souls of martyrs who sacrificed their lives for this cause, and wished them eternal peace.

Currently, approximately 30,000 people reside in the liberated regions of Karabakh and East Zangezur. This population includes former internally displaced persons, individuals involved in reconstruction projects, and employees of local branches of state institutions, as well as workers in healthcare, education, culture, tourism, industry, and energy sectors. The revitalisation of these regions symbolises a new era of development and growth for Azerbaijan.

For the returnees, the move back to Jabrayil is a long-awaited dream come true.

"I have never experienced such a joyous day. I can’t put my happiness into words. At last, we have returned to our homeland. I am grateful to the Almighty for allowing me to live to see this day," said Mahammadali Isayev, one of the resettled residents.

Sharghiya Abbasova, another returnee, expressed her boundless happiness and reflected on her memories of Jabrayil, where she spent her youth before being displaced:
"My youth was spent in Jabrayil, but I was forced to leave at the age of 33. Today, I return with my children and grandchildren. This day will be written in golden letters in our history."

By Vugar Khalilov