Azerbaijan’s restoration efforts shine as key infrastructure projects unveiled in Shusha, Khojaly UPDATED/PHOTO

On May 9, President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev and First Lady Mehriban Aliyeva attended the inauguration of several key development projects in Shusha district, marking significant progress in the restoration and revitalization of the region following its liberation.

The first of these ceremonies was the opening of the Dashalti village mosque, which was built in alignment with President Aliyev’s directives to restore cultural and religious landmarks in the liberated territories, Caliber.Az reports via local media.

The mosque, a two-story structure designed in the traditional Karabakh architectural style, can accommodate over 150 worshippers. The foundation stone for the mosque was laid by the President and First Lady in November 2021, and it stands as a testament to Azerbaijan's commitment to preserving its national and spiritual values.

During their visit, the couple was briefed on ongoing initiatives within Dashalti village, including the “Reconstruction Project,” which aims to integrate local architectural heritage with modern infrastructure. This ambitious project will see the construction of a five-story hotel, commercial facilities, and an information center, all designed to foster tourism and ecological sustainability. The village, covering 65 hectares, will offer a harmonious blend of nature, history, and leisure activities.

Following the inauguration of the mosque, President Ilham Aliyev and First Lady Mehriban Aliyeva proceeded to the Shusha Wellness and Health Center. The facility, which also broke ground in November 2021, is designed to offer a broad range of medical services, from therapy and pediatrics to surgery and rehabilitation. Equipped with state-of-the-art medical equipment, the center boasts a capacity of 90 beds and aims to serve the health needs of the region, contributing to the overall well-being of the local population. The facility includes specialized departments such as radiology, a clinical diagnostic lab, and a polyclinic for both adults and children.

Further underlining the ongoing development in Shusha, President Aliyev attended the groundbreaking ceremony for the fourth residential complex in the city. The project will consist of 16 buildings and 274 apartments, providing homes for returning residents. Shusha has been undergoing large-scale construction and restoration efforts since its liberation in 2020, and to date, 376 families have returned home. The expansion will offer vital housing and infrastructure, including necessary social amenities. Additionally, 23 buildings, including 450 apartments, have already been delivered to residents.

In a bid to support the region’s infrastructure, President Aliyev also inaugurated the “Khojaly” substation and the Digital Control Center, both of which are integral to providing stable and reliable power to newly built residential complexes, agricultural enterprises, and tourism facilities. This project is part of a broader effort to improve energy supply and management, incorporating renewable energy sources and ensuring the sustainability of the region’s power grid.

Another noteworthy project inaugurated on the same day was the livestock complex of “Goch Et” Rural Farm LLC in Khojaly's Khanabad village. The complex, which focuses on breeding and meat and dairy production, has a capacity to house 750 head of cattle. This project, operating with advanced Turkish and German technologies, has created 55 jobs and is expected to expand further, with milk production anticipated to reach 3,000 tons annually. The facility is set to contribute significantly to both domestic and international markets, including exports to the UAE and Qatar.

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On May 9, President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev and First Lady Mehriban Aliyeva paid a visit to Shusha district, where they participated in a series of significant inaugurations and ceremonies marking continued progress in the city’s post-conflict revitalization.

The visit began with the inauguration of the Dashalti village mosque, an important cultural and spiritual site restored as part of the wider initiative to rebuild liberated territories, Caliber.Az reports via local media.

The President and the First Lady toured the newly completed mosque and were briefed on the restoration efforts, which reflect Azerbaijan’s commitment to preserving religious heritage and promoting interfaith harmony in the region.

Following the mosque inauguration, President Aliyev and First Lady Aliyeva attended the official opening of the Shusha Wellness and Health Centre. The modern facility, equipped with advanced medical and rehabilitation services, is designed to enhance public health infrastructure and improve the quality of life for Shusha’s residents and visitors.

Continuing their visit, the President and First Lady participated in the groundbreaking ceremony for the fourth residential complex to be constructed in the city. This large-scale housing project is part of the ongoing efforts to restore civilian life and enable the return of internally displaced persons to their native lands.

Later that day, President Ilham Aliyev inaugurated the newly built “Khojaly” substation and Digital Control Centre, owned by “Azerishig” Open Joint Stock Company, which represents a major advancement in the district’s energy infrastructure, integrating smart technologies to ensure efficient and stable electricity supply across the region.

He also attended the opening ceremony of the livestock complex of "Goch Et" Rural Farm LLC, located in the village of Khanabad of Khojaly district.

By Vafa Guliyeva