Zabil Mammadov

In Zabil Mammadov’s opinion, the Karabakh conflict dramatically altered the lives of many Azerbaijani civilians, particularly those like him who lived near the front line. Born in the village of Borsulu in the Tartar District in 1974, Mammadov recalls a peaceful life before the war, where Azerbaijani and Armenian civilians coexisted without significant problems. However, as the Soviet Union collapsed, Armenian separatists, armed with support from external forces, turned against Azerbaijan, leading to escalating violence in the region.

Mammadov vividly remembers the day he was injured. At the age of 17, he and others in his village rushed to help evacuate civilians from a nearby village that had come under attack by Armenian separatists. During their rescue efforts, the separatists planted landmines on the roads. While leading a group of civilians to safety, Mammadov stepped on a landmine, which resulted in the loss of his right leg. He was only 16 years old at the time, and the traumatic experience ignited a deep hatred for landmines and a lifelong commitment to fighting against their use.

Reflecting on his experiences, Mammadov shares that despite losing his leg, he found a renewed purpose in life by becoming actively involved in anti-mine efforts. He initially worked as an electronics craftsman, but his passion for eliminating landmines led him to collaborate with international organizations, including the International Eurasia Press Fund, which supports mine clearance and mine victim assistance. Mammadov took courses in mine detection and began working with demining teams to repair and improve the detectors they used. His work in this field became more than just a job—it was a personal mission fueled by his deep desire to prevent others from suffering the same fate he did.

Despite the hardships he has endured, Mammadov remains hopeful and focused on making the world a safer place. He believes that while the world often portrays conflicts, such as the one in Karabakh, through a distorted lens influenced by external powers, the truth about Azerbaijan’s struggle will eventually be recognized. He points out that many Armenians still live peacefully in Azerbaijan, and he emphasizes that Azerbaijan’s conflict was never with the Armenian people, but with separatist forces supported by imperialist states.

Mammadov also draws parallels between the Karabakh conflict and the ongoing war in Ukraine. He feels deeply for the civilians in Ukraine who are suffering, much like the Azerbaijani people did during the Karabakh war. Mammadov is confident that, just as Azerbaijan restored its territorial integrity, Ukraine will also reclaim its land and achieve peace.

Ultimately, Mammadov’s life has been shaped by his experiences as a landmine victim, but he has turned his personal tragedy into a mission to protect others from the horrors of war. Through his work in demining and his innovative contributions to mine detection technology, Mammadov is committed to making the world a safer place for future generations.