Samaya Ahmadli

In Samaya Ahmadli’s opinion, her transition from being a geography teacher to becoming one of the first female deminers in Azerbaijan is a testament to her deep-rooted pride in her homeland, Aghdam. She explains that although she was not born in Aghdam, her parents are from the region, and her strong connection to the land has always been a part of her identity. When the opportunity to join the demining efforts arose, Ahmadli did not hesitate, feeling that Aghdam needed her help and that she could contribute to rebuilding her ancestral homeland. She takes great pride in her work and in being a part of a pioneering group of female deminers.

Ahmadli recounts how she was inspired to join the demining sector despite the dangers associated with the profession. Before becoming a deminer, she worked as a geography teacher in a primary school. She felt that her role as a teacher was important, but her desire to help clear the mines in Aghdam motivated her to make the shift to demining. She acknowledges the risks involved in the job but explains that her connection to the land and her pride in being able to help restore Karabakh outweigh any fear. Ahmadli shares that her parents, though initially fearful, are proud of her efforts to help reclaim Aghdam and bring safety to the region.

One of the key aspects of her work, Ahmadli explains, is the close-knit camaraderie among her female colleagues. The group consists of 27 women, all from different professions, including teachers like herself. She believes that women bring unique qualities to demining, particularly their intuition and careful approach to the task. In her opinion, women are often more meticulous and cautious, which makes them well-suited for the job of mine clearance. Ahmadli reflects on how her team works together with courage and unity, always looking out for one another.

Ahmadli describes the challenges of demining, particularly the physical strain of working in harsh conditions. She recalls the summer months when the extreme heat made their training and fieldwork especially difficult. Despite these challenges, she and her colleagues persevered, driven by their passion for the work. Ahmadli takes pride in the progress they have made, having successfully cleared mines in several villages. She shares the satisfaction of finding and removing dangerous mines, knowing that her efforts are helping to make the land safe for future generations.

Reflecting on the emotional aspect of her work, Ahmadli speaks about the deep sense of fulfillment she feels in contributing to the restoration of Karabakh. She believes that her work is not just about clearing mines but about helping to bring life back to the land. Her pride in being part of the first group of female deminers in Azerbaijan is evident, and she expresses her hope that more women will join the field and contribute to the country's recovery.

Ultimately, Ahmadli’s story is one of courage, pride, and dedication. Her journey from being a teacher to a deminer is a reflection of her strong commitment to her homeland and her belief in the importance of helping rebuild Karabakh. She remains focused on the task at hand, motivated by the knowledge that her work is making a difference in the lives of those who will return to the liberated lands.