The Resilient Beauty
Following the historic Victory in the Patriotic War, one of the primary tasks has been the return of former refugees and internally displaced persons (IDPs) to their ancestral lands and ensuring sustainable resettlement in the liberated territories.
As is well known, the Great Return is being carried out within the framework of the “I State Program on the Great Return to the liberated territories of the Republic of Azerbaijan”, approved by the Decree of the President of Azerbaijan dated November 16, 2022.
According to this State Program, the initial stage includes the restoration of 100 settlements—comprising 8 cities, 8 towns, and 84 villages.
The Great Return is also reflected in key national documents, such as “Azerbaijan 2030: National Priorities for Socio-Economic Development” and the “Socio-economic development strategy for 2022-2026 of the Republic of Azerbaijan.”
To ensure the successful implementation of the Great Return, two main objectives must be achieved:
To meet these goals, the liberated territories must be transformed into healthy, modern, and well-developed living environments. A comfortable and secure living infrastructure should be built based on modern principles to support long-term settlement.
At the same time, the newly resettled region should become one of the key hubs of economic activity and reach a level of development on par with other regions of the country.
It is worth noting that the Great Return officially began when, after 29 years, Azerbaijani citizens displaced from their homeland were resettled in Aghali village of Zangilan District.
To date, Azerbaijani citizens have been resettled in 6 cities (Lachin, Fuzuli, Shusha, Khojaly, Khankendi, and Jabrayil) and 5 villages (Aghali in Zangilan district, Talish in Aghdara district, Sus and Zabukh in Lachin district, and Ballija in Khojaly district) in Karabakh and East Zangezur.
Currently, more than 30,000 people live in Karabakh and East Zangezur, including not only the resettled former IDPs but also individuals involved in the implementation of ongoing regional projects, those serving in local branches of various state institutions, and those employed in the reopened healthcare, education, culture, tourism, industry, and energy sectors.
In total, the I State Program on the Great Return envisions the return of 140,000 former IDPs to their ancestral lands by the end of 2026.
President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev with young residents of Talish village, Tartar district. As part of The Great Return, families who had been living in difficult conditions in temporary settlements in Baku, Barda, Tartar, Samukh, and Goranboy were among the first to be relocated to the village. March 18, 2023. 
A resident of Sus village, Lachin district, tending to her flowers—a symbol of life returning to the liberated lands.
Youngsters living in the newly rebuilt Fuzuli city, growing up in a booming homeland where life, hope, and prosperity are being restored. 
The residential complex in the newly reconstructed city of Jabrayil spans 7.9 hectares, featuring 33 modern residential buildings, including seven five-story and twenty-six four-story structures. Beyond housing, the complex is designed for community living, with social and service facilities, parking areas, public spaces, children’s playgrounds, and sports fields, creating a vibrant and sustainable environment.
First Lady of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Mehriban Aliyeva, with the residents of Zabukh village in Lachin. This completely rebuilt village now includes newly constructed homes, a 50-place kindergarten, an administrative building, and a medical center. Emphasising sustainability, green energy is used to power homes, social facilities, and street lighting. August 26, 2023. 
President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev and First Lady Mehriban Aliyeva with returning residents of Jabrayil city, marking a new chapter in the life of region. October 4, 2024.
The young residents of Lachin, filled with joy and optimism, as they embrace a carefree and bright future in their newly restored city
The dormitory of Karabakh University, located in Khankandi, offering modern and comfortable living spaces for students in the newly restored region.
President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev and First Lady Mehriban Aliyeva with returning residents of Jabrayil city, marking a new chapter in the life of region. October 4, 2024.
ANAMA employees educate newly resettled residents of Shusha city on mine hazards, ensuring their safety in the liberated territories. 
The colourful exterior of a newly built school in the Aghali smart village in Zangilan district. 
Three youngsters who were among the first returnees to Shusha, the cultural capital of Karabakh. 
