Travelers on mission: Exploring Karabakh, Azerbaijan’s journey of peace, reconstruction

Harry Mitsidis, the founder of the international travel club NomadMania, delivered a powerful speech at Karabakh University in Khankandi, highlighting the significant role of travelers in promoting world peace.

Mitsidis, representing travelers from 30 countries across six continents, spoke about the importance of tolerance, respect, and the need to explore regions undergoing transformation, such as the recently liberated areas in Karabakh, Caliber.Az reports via local media.

During his address, Mitsidis commended the ongoing reconstruction efforts in Karabakh, noting, “I am happy to be in Karabakh and Khankandi, to see the reconstruction work underway here. We have visited Fuzuli and Shusha, where we witnessed both the scars of destruction and the rapid pace of rebuilding.”

He emphasized that the essence of a true traveler lies in the ability to embrace differences and foster understanding, stating, “Tolerance and respect for differences are the main traits of a true traveler.”

Mitsidis also underscored the bravery and optimism required to spread the message of peace. “A traveler who is afraid cannot fully communicate the values of peace and freedom. To speak of peace, one must be brave and never lose hope,” he concluded. His speech reaffirmed the role of international travelers in bridging gaps and fostering a global spirit of unity, particularly in post-conflict regions.

In a related development, US traveler Claire Gribben shared her experiences of Azerbaijan, emphasizing the impressive progress in the region. Gribben, who visited the recently liberated territories, specifically praised the return of Fuzuli residents to their homeland and the rapid housing developments. “To do such a great job in such a short period of time is excellent. It’s especially nice to see people returning to their homeland in Fuzuli. And Shusha is simply delightful,” she remarked, highlighting the ongoing efforts to rebuild the region.

Gribben also expressed her admiration for Azerbaijan's rich history and culture, revealing that she had learned many new things during her visit. “It turns out that Azerbaijan was the first country in the East to grant women the right to vote. This is very interesting information. Thanks to this trip, I learned a lot of new things about Azerbaijan. It is one of the oldest regions of the world,” she shared.

Both Mitsidis and Gribbin’s accounts underscore the transformative work being done in Azerbaijan and the power of travel to promote understanding, peace, and cross-cultural connections.

By Vafa Guliyeva