Great Return: More former IDPs move into new homes in Jabrayil PHOTO / UPDATED

Another group of former internally displaced persons (IDPs) received keys to their new apartments in Jabrayil today, February 17.

The handover ceremony was attended by representatives from the Special Representative Office of the President of Azerbaijan for the Jabrayil, Gubadli, and Zangilan districts, the State Committee for Refugees and IDPs, and other officials, Caliber.Az reports, citing local media.

Following the event, staff from the Azerbaijan National Agency for Mine Action (ANAMA) briefed the returning residents on the dangers of landmines and unexploded ordnance, advising them to remain vigilant and report any suspicious objects to the relevant authorities.

13:35

A new group of displaced persons has arrived in Jabrayil city, marking a significant step in ongoing resettlement efforts.

The latest arrivals, who traveled from the Garadagh district of Baku, include 42 families, comprising a total of 205 individuals, Caliber.Az reports via local media.

09:36

Another group of former internally displaced persons (IDPs) has set off for the newly rebuilt city of Jabrayil, marking another significant step in Azerbaijan’s resettlement efforts.

According to reports from local media, these families, who had previously been temporarily accommodated in hostels, sanatoriums, children’s camps, unfinished buildings, and administrative facilities across different regions of the country, departed from the Garadagh district of Baku on February 17, per Caliber.Az.

At this stage, 42 families, comprising 205 people, have made their journey home.

As a result of the Azerbaijani Army’s remarkable victory in the Patriotic War, led by President and Supreme Commander-in-Chief Ilham Aliyev, former IDPs now have the opportunity to return to their ancestral lands voluntarily, safely, and with dignity after 30 years of displacement.

Residents of Jabrayil expressed their deep gratitude to President Ilham Aliyev and First Vice President Mehriban Aliyeva for their unwavering support and care. They also extended their heartfelt thanks to the brave Azerbaijani army for liberating their homeland from occupation and paid tribute to the Shehids (Martyrs) who sacrificed their lives for this cause.

“Years later, I go to my native Jabrayil with great joy and pride.”

These were the words of former IDP Nazim Rustamov on the eve of his return to his hometown.

He shared cherished memories of Jabrayil, reflecting on the time he had spent there.

“My childhood and youth were in Jabrayil. Now, after 30 years of separation, I am finally returning to my home. I pray to Almighty God that our children and future generations never have to experience the hardships we faced,” Rustamov emphasized.

He also paid tribute to the Shehids who gave their lives for the Motherland, wished health to the Gazis, and expressed his gratitude to President Ilham Aliyev and First Lady Mehriban Aliyeva for making this homecoming possible.

“I was one and a half years old when I left Jabrayil. Now, I am 33. As I stand on the threshold of returning to my native home, I am overwhelmed with inexpressible emotions.”

These sentiments were echoed by former IDP Rahmina Rustamli.

She expressed her appreciation for the conditions created by the Azerbaijani leadership, thanking President Ilham Aliyev and the Azerbaijani army for liberating their lands.

“I am deeply grateful to Supreme Commander-in-Chief Ilham Aliyev for giving us the chance to return home. May Almighty God grant eternal peace to the souls of our Shehids who sacrificed their lives for our land and bestow healing upon the Gazis,” Rustamli added.

Currently, approximately 30,000 people, including former IDPs and various professionals, reside in the liberated regions of Karabakh and East Zangezur. This population includes individuals engaged in the reconstruction and development of these areas, as well as employees from state institutions, healthcare, education, culture, tourism, industry, and energy sectors who have resumed their activities.

The resettlement initiative follows Azerbaijan’s decisive victory in the 44-day Patriotic War, under the leadership of President Aliyev and the Azerbaijani Armed Forces. This triumph not only ensured Azerbaijan’s territorial integrity but also facilitated the safe, dignified, and voluntary return of displaced families to their homeland after three decades.

The return of these families is not merely a homecoming; it signifies the revival of life, culture, and economic development in Jabrayil and other liberated areas, heralding a new era of progress and stability.

By Tamilla Hasanova