Reconstruction: From Ruins to Renaissance
In the early 1990s, following the occupation of Azerbaijani lands by Armenian forces, hundreds of thousands of Azerbaijanis were displaced from their homes, becoming internally displaced persons (IDPs).
The initial years following occupation were marked by extreme hardship, as IDPs were forced to live in makeshift shelters, abandoned railway cars, and tent camps, enduring severe shortages of food, water, and basic amenities.
Under the leadership of National leader Heydar Aliyev, Azerbaijan began a significant effort to improve living conditions for these displaced citizens. This mission, later continued by President Ilham Aliyev, aimed to alleviate the dire conditions they faced, providing them with essential services and temporary housing while they waited to return to their homes.
These photographs offer a glimpse into the harsh realities of those early years, reflecting both the grievous challenges they endured and the resilience they would require in order to survive.
The unwavering commitment of Azerbaijan’s leadership played a crucial role in supporting IDPs until the triumphant liberation of Karabakh.
