Great Return: 43 more formerly displaced Azerbaijani families leave for Aghdam's Kangarli village PHOTO

As part of Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev’s ongoing initiative for the Great Return, 43 more families comprising 176 people have left the capital Baku for the native village of Kangarli in Aghdam district, reclaiming their homes decades after displacement.

These families had previously been living in temporary accommodations across the country, including dormitories, sanatoriums, and administrative buildings, Caliber.Az reports, citing local media.

The returning citizens expressed heartfelt gratitude to President Ilham Aliyev and First Vice-President Mehriban Aliyeva for the government’s comprehensive support. They also paid tribute to the Azerbaijani Armed Forces and honored the memory of the martyrs who sacrificed their lives in the fight for liberation.

“We will now live happily and safely in our new home in the village of Kangarli, Aghdam district,” said Teyyub Aghayev, a returning resident.

He emphasised the significance of the victory achieved under the leadership of President Aliyev, which made their return possible:

“May Allah grant health to President Ilham Aliyev, thanks to whom we have lived to see this day. May God rest the souls of the martyrs and grant health to our veterans. It is thanks to them that Karabakh has been freed from occupation. Former IDPs are now joyfully returning to their native lands.”

Another returnee, Vusala Abbasova, shared her emotions upon returning to her hometown:

“I am returning to my homeland — to Aghdam,” she said. “It is very hard to put these feelings into words. We are returning with joy, pride, and dignity. The first thing I will do is visit the graves of my loved ones.”

Abbasova also extended her appreciation to President Aliyev and the Azerbaijani Army:
“May God rest the souls of the martyrs and grant health to the veterans.”

Currently, more than 43,000 people reside in the regions of Karabakh and East Zangazur. This number includes not only resettled former IDPs but also specialists involved in ongoing reconstruction and development projects. Among them are employees of local government institutions, as well as professionals working in healthcare, education, culture, tourism, industry, and energy sectors that have resumed operations in the region.

By Khagan Isayev