Great Return: Over 30 families resettle in Mammadbayli village of Zangilan district PHOTO

A further group of displaced Azerbaijani families has returned to liberated territories as part of the government’s Great Return programme, implemented under the instruction of President Ilham Aliyev.

Thus, 33 families — totalling 177 people — have been resettled in the village of Mammadbayli in the Zangilan district at this stage, Caliber.Az reports per local media.

The families had previously been accommodated in various parts of the country, mostly in dormitories, sanatoriums and administrative buildings.

Residents returning to their native lands expressed gratitude to President Ilham Aliyev and First Vice-President Mehriban Aliyeva for what they described as comprehensive state support. They also voiced appreciation for the Azerbaijani Armed Forces, praising the soldiers and officers who took part in the liberation of the territories, and offered prayers for the fallen servicemen.

Lala Orujova, one of the returnees, said the day marked a significant milestone for her family.

“Today is a special and momentous day for us. At last, we will be able to live peacefully, prosperously and safely on our own land,” she said.

Orujova added that she was forced to leave her home village when she was just three years old.

“We have waited more than thirty years for this day. I thank everyone who contributed to the liberation of our lands. May Allah rest the souls of our martyrs and grant good health to our veterans. I express my deep gratitude to the President and the people of Azerbaijan.”

Another returnee, Gulkhara Mirzayeva, said she intended to touch the soil of her village as soon as she arrived.

She noted that she had been forced to leave Mammadbayli at the age of 27 and was now returning with her extended family.

“I thank Allah for the opportunity to return. I bow before all the parents of our martyrs,” she said.

Mirzayeva expressed her gratitude to President and Supreme Commander-in-Chief Ilham Aliyev for enabling displaced families to return home.

By Aghakazim Guliyev