More Azerbaijani families return to Shusha after decades of displacement PHOTO

On December 23, a new group of 208 former internally displaced persons (IDPs) from Azerbaijan began their return to Shusha, decades after being forced to flee during the conflict over Karabakh.

Following the decisive victory of the Azerbaijani Armed Forces in the Patriotic War under the leadership of President Ilham Aliyev, 51 families of former internally displaced persons have been allowed to return voluntarily, safely, and with dignity to their homeland after 30 years, Caliber.Az reports per local media.

The residents of Shusha expressed their gratitude to the head of state and the First Vice President, Mehriban Aliyeva, for the comprehensive state care provided. They also extended their thanks to the valiant Azerbaijani army for liberating their lands from occupation, wished peace upon the souls of the martyrs who sacrificed their lives for this noble cause, and shared their joy at returning home.

“I never lost hope that we would one day return to Shusha. Praise be to the Almighty, our wishes have come true today,” said Shusha resident Aghilya Alizade ahead of her return.

She described the devastation wrought in Shusha by Armenian forces, calling it an act of barbarism.

“The atrocities of these vandals are beyond words. The destruction they caused was so immense that neither I nor my children could find my husband’s grave. But I am heartened that Shusha is being reborn and coming back to life. I left my home with my six children, and today I am returning with 15 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. We, along with future generations, will live and thrive in Shusha forever,” said Alizade.

She also expressed her gratitude to everyone who contributed to making this day possible.

“I want to thank our president, the victorious Supreme Commander-in-Chief Ilham Aliyev, under whose leadership the valiant Azerbaijani army reclaimed our territories. May the Almighty grant peace to the souls of our martyrs and health to our veterans. They shed their blood for the ultimate goal of liberating the land of our forefathers,” Alizade concluded.

Former internally displaced person Khalig Mammadov also shared his impressions on the eve of his return to his hometown of Shusha, which he described as the eighth wonder of the world.

Speaking to journalists, he struggled to put his emotions into words.

“I am overwhelmed with joy, and I don’t know how to express it. Praise be to the Almighty, today we are returning to our homes. For many years, we lived as internally displaced persons, and while the state took great care of us, the longing for our native Shusha never left us,” Mammadov noted.

He, too, expressed gratitude to the head of state for the support provided.

“I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to our president, the victorious Supreme Commander-in-Chief Ilham Aliyev. It was under his leadership that the glorious Azerbaijani army and our heroes liberated Shusha and other territories. The memory of our martyrs will forever remain in our hearts, and we will always be grateful to our veterans. They sacrificed their lives and health for the liberation of our lands,” Mammadov added.

It should be noted that approximately 30,000 people now reside in Karabakh and East Zangazur. Among them are former internally displaced persons who have returned to these areas, as well as employees engaged in reconstruction and development projects, local workers from various state institutions, and specialists in healthcare, education, culture, tourism, industry, and energy sectors that have resumed their activities in the region.

By Aghakazim Guliyev