Garabagh’s Golden Renaissance: A Historic Day of Triumph, Return, and Glory
President Ilham Aliyev a visionary leader with a powerful official visit to the liberated Garabagh region on 28 May 2026 – a date forever etched in Azerbaijani history as both Independence Day and Eid al-Adha. It was no ordinary journey, but a triumphant statement of Azerbaijan’s indomitable spirit, its strategic acumen, and its steadfast dedication to building liberated territories into symbols of modernity and prosperity.
A Cultural Treasure Reborn in Khankendi
In the heart of Khankendi, President Aliyev opened the fully revitalized Cultural Center — a magnificent renovation of the historic building, but until just recently neglected and left in a sad state of disrepair.
Special Representative Elchin Yusubov’s leadership has transformed the three-story landmark into a world-class cultural powerhouse. It has a cutting-edge 348-seat primary hall designed for concerts, movie screening, theatrical shows, and community events, as well as creative workshops, rehearsal spaces, dressing rooms, a modern café, a ticket office, and a sweet souvenir shop to spur tourism.
This Cultural Center is the heart of Khankendi, a symbol of cultural revival, national identity, and a proud sign of a new generation of students who are coming to make Khankendi a vibrant city.
The Heroes: World-class Housing for Defenders
President Aliyev visited the Dashbulag village of Khojaly district to inspect an impressive residential complex of 191 private houses specially prepared for the Ministry of Defense servicemen and women and their families where they showed great appreciation. The development demonstrates outstanding quality and diversity:
1 Two Room House, 70 Three Room Houses, 93 Four Room Houses and 8 Five Room Houses, A dozen or so spacious two-story houses and an 8-room mansion.
These houses are connected with electricity, gas, modern roads, recreation park and majestic Flag Square and are a testament to the solemn pledge of the state: Azerbaijan’s heroes and their families will live in comfort and dignity in the lands they liberated.
Economic Powerhouse Rising
President Aliyev opened two landmark industrial projects that mark the beginning of Garabagh’s transition from reconstruction towards a strong economic self-sufficiency.
1. Khojaly Textile Enterprise
The investment for this modern facility using the Turkish and Chinese technology will be 4.2 million manats, which is supported by a concessional loan granted to the company by Azerbaijan Business Development Fund of 3.2 million manats. It has its base in quality home fabrics and will expand to 200 people, all of whom are local. A training programme is already underway for 40 residents so they’re ready for immediate employment.
2. Khankendi Work Gloves Manufacturing Plant
It is an ultra-modern plant established by the founder of Hikmat Asadov, with an investment of 3.5 million manats, and has an extraordinary capacity of 25 million pairs of special gloves per year. Now, it has 35 workers and is set to satisfy the domestic demand before it takes over the European export markets.
The projects perfectly reflect the success model of Azerbaijani government that combines generous government incentives, synergy of public and private sectors, and focus on providing dignified employment to the citizens returning from abroad.
Emotional Homecoming in Boyuk Galaderesi
The highlight of the visit was the meeting with the families of the Armenian citizens who returned to Boyuk Galaderesi village in the Shusha district, in the most poignant moments. The village has been occupied in 1992 and liberated in 2023 and is now alive once again. Twenty houses are being restored and seventeen have been completed.
New modern infrastructure – electricity, gas, roads, communication lines, a park and Flag Square – is in place. Analysis of the first 14 families (64 individuals) who came back reveals the success of the historic “Great Return” policy in terms of living.The first 14 families (64 people) to return have already returned and analysis has shown the success of the historic “Great Return” policy in terms of living.
Conclusion
In five extraordinary years, President Ilham Aliyev has transformed Garabagh from a land of sacrifice into a vibrant land of culture, proud communities, healthy industries, and rehabilitated homes.
This historic visit on May 28, 2026, is a powerful proof: Garabagh is not being rebuilt, it is reborn, stronger, more beautiful and for all eternity Azerbaijani. Thanks to President Aliyev’s energetic and caring management, the liberated lands are not only being reborn; they are becoming a beacon of national rebirth for all the world to see.
