The liberated territories of Azerbaijan refer to the Karabakh and East Zangezur regions, over which sovereignty was fully restored following the 44-day Patriotic War in the autumn of 2020 and the local anti-terrorist measures in September 2023.
This process brought an end to the nearly 30-year occupation of these lands and launched a massive, historic phase of their reconstruction.
The liberated territories cover a significant portion of southwestern Azerbaijan. The process of their return can be divided into three key stages:
Liberated during combat operations (Autumn 2020): Fuzuli, Jabrayil, Zangilan, and Qubadli districts, the city of Shusha, and the Hadrut settlement (Khojavend district), as well as dozens of villages across other districts.
Returned under the Trilateral Statement (November-December 2020): Aghdam, Kalbajar, and Lachin districts were peacefully returned to Baku's control in accordance with the ceasefire agreement.
Full restoration of sovereignty (September 2023): As a result of a localized operation, Azerbaijan restored control over the cities of Khankendi, Khojaly, Aghdara, Khojavend, and the surrounding settlements. At the end of 2023, the Aghdara district was officially re-established by a decision of the Milli Majlis (National Assembly).
To ensure effective planning, rapid infrastructure restoration, and the seamless integration of these lands into the national economy, a new economic regionalization map was approved in Azerbaijan in 2021. Two new regions were established:
Karabakh Economic Region: Includes the city of Khankendi, alongside the Aghjabadi, Aghdam, Barda, Fuzuli, Khojaly, Khojavend, Shusha, and Tartar districts.
East Zangezur Economic Region: Unites the Jabrayil, Kalbajar, Qubadli, Lachin, and Zangilan districts.
Today, the state program known as the "Great Return" (Böyük Qayıdış) is actively being implemented across these territories. This massive initiative encompasses several fundamental directions:
Large-scale demining: This is the primary and most challenging task, as these territories are considered among the most heavily mined areas in the world. The Azerbaijan National Agency for Mine Action (ANAMA) is spearheading this critical effort.
Infrastructure boom: Thousands of kilometers of new highways (including the famous "Victory Road" to Shusha) and railway lines are being constructed from scratch. International airports in Fuzuli and Zangilan have already been built and commissioned, while a third airport is currently under construction in Lachin.
"Smart Cities" and "Smart Villages": The restoration of settlements is being carried out using modern, eco-friendly technologies. The first fully realized project of this kind was the village of Aghali in the Zangilan district. In the newly designed cities, all communications are laid underground, and alternative energy sources are prioritized.
Resettlement: A phased process for the voluntary return of former internally displaced persons (IDPs) to their newly rebuilt native lands—including Lachin, Fuzuli, Shusha, and several villages—is currently underway.
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