Families receive keys to rebuilt residences in Aghdam's Khidirli PHOTO / UPDATED

On July 31, dozens of formerly displaced families arrived in the village of Khidirli, located in Azerbaijan’s Aghdam district, as part of the ongoing "Great Return" initiative.

A total of 58 families were officially handed the keys to their newly constructed private residences, as per local media reports.

A ceremonial event marked the occasion, with participation from officials representing the Special Representative of the President of Azerbaijan for the Aghdam, Fuzuli, and Khojavand districts, as well as the State Committee for Refugees and Internally Displaced Persons.

09:23

A new group of formerly displaced Azerbaijani citizens has returned to their ancestral homes in the village of Khidirli, located in the Aghdam district, as part of the ongoing “Great Return” program.

Local media reports that a total of 58 families — comprising 225 individuals — were relocated from temporary accommodations, including dormitories, sanatoriums, and administrative facilities scattered across various regions of Azerbaijan.

These returning residents expressed deep gratitude to President Ilham Aliyev and First Vice President Mehriban Aliyeva for their sustained attention to the needs of displaced persons, and to the Azerbaijani Armed Forces for reclaiming their homelands.

Among the returnees was Aytaj Nabiyeva, a medical student at Azerbaijan Medical University, who arrived in Khidrili with hopes of serving the local community. “Though I’ve never seen Aghdam before, I grew up hearing stories from my elders about its warmth and the kindness of its people. I was never able to grow up here due to the occupation, but this land belongs to my ancestors. I’ve dreamt of this moment since childhood, and it has finally arrived,” she told reporters.

Nabiyeva added that her goal is to contribute to the reconstruction of Aghdam and provide medical care to its residents. “Our martyrs sacrificed their lives so we could return. What could be more meaningful than dedicating yourself to your people, here in your homeland? The joy in the eyes of the returnees is beyond words.”

As of now, over 50,000 people — including former internally displaced persons, state employees, and specialists — are living in Karabakh and Eastern Zangezur. These individuals are working across a wide range of fields such as healthcare, education, culture, tourism, industry, and energy, often as part of state-supported reconstruction initiatives.

Specifically, more than 43,000 people have been resettled or are currently working in the region. This population includes professionals and civil servants who are contributing to the rebuilding of vital infrastructure and institutions in these areas.

The redevelopment of Khidirli is part of a comprehensive state program. President Ilham Aliyev and First Lady Mehriban Aliyeva had earlier laid the foundation stone for the village. The planned area for Khydyrly spans over 417 hectares, and the long-term goal is to accommodate approximately 6,000 residents.

The village’s construction is unfolding in two phases. The first phase, covering 170.44 hectares, includes 719 homes intended for 719 families, or 2,951 individuals. This phase has already seen the completion of all 719 homes, consisting of 263 two-room, 332 three-room, 121 four-room, and 3 five-room houses.

With the “Great Return” initiative actively progressing, Azerbaijan is steadily advancing its efforts to restore life to its liberated territories and ensure the sustainable resettlement of its citizens.

By Tamilla Hasanova