Karabakh through foreign eyes: Visitors impressed by warm hospitality, striking development

A group of international travelers recently visited Azerbaijan's Karabakh region as part of a tour organized by the NomadMania Club.

Their firsthand accounts of the country’s rapid development and warm hospitality have drawn widespread attention, showcasing the transformative progress in the region, Caliber.Az reports via local media.

Xavier Cortal, a traveler from Barcelona, Spain, shared his positive impressions with reporters, emphasizing the welcoming nature of Azerbaijan. “Anyone who visits Azerbaijan invariably feels welcomed," he stated.

Having traveled to every country in the world, Cortal was no stranger to Azerbaijan, but this trip marked his first visit to the liberated territories. He expressed his delight at exploring the newly accessible areas, calling them "very interesting and beautiful places." "It’s great to be here," Cortal added, highlighting the appeal of these regions which continue to recover and thrive following years of conflict.

Sierra Leonean traveler Alusine Kamara, who was also part of the NomadMania group, spoke of the rapid progress made in the Karabakh region, which had endured decades of war and occupation. “The rapid development of the region is very impressive,” Kamara remarked.

As the 100th country he has visited, Kamara expressed his admiration for Azerbaijan’s achievements, especially in the city of Fuzuli, which he described as undergoing a rebirth. He noted that while the city’s new neighborhoods and schools were a testament to the fast pace of reconstruction, the remnants of its past devastation remained visible. Kamara was deeply moved by the scale of destruction, stating, “It’s really tragic, and I’ve never seen anything like it anywhere.” He added that he plans to return with friends to share his experience of Azerbaijan’s beauty and resilience.

In a similar vein, Slovak traveler Luboš Fellner reflected on the remarkable strides made in the post-occupation territories. Having visited Azerbaijan previously, Fellner was particularly impressed by the extensive reconstruction efforts. “Azerbaijan has done a great job in Karabakh,” he said, noting the development of modern infrastructure, including roads, airports, and new housing. The Slovak traveler praised the ongoing transformation of the region, which continues to enhance both its functionality and aesthetic appeal.

Meanwhile, Danish traveler Peter Fenger shared his impressions after visiting Shusha, a city that has seen significant reconstruction. “The construction and renovation works in Shusha are impressive,” Fenger remarked. This was his first visit to the city, and he was struck by the beauty of its natural surroundings and the magnificence of its infrastructure.

“Shusha made a lasting impression on me,” he said, praising the city’s beauty, its friendly people, and the exceptional quality of its cuisine. Fenger’s experience highlights the continued efforts to rebuild and preserve the historical and cultural heritage of Shusha.

By Vafa Guliyeva