The Center for Analysis of Economic Reforms and Communication (CAERC) has completed the monitoring process for the first half of 2025 within the framework of the “First State Program on the Great Return to the Liberated Territories of the Republic of Azerbaijan.”

Under the leadership of President Ilham Aliyev, large-scale reconstruction and restoration works continue rapidly in the liberated territories. These include the construction of modern infrastructure and the establishment of new residential areas.

According to Orkhan Sadigov, Head of the Monitoring and Evaluation division of CAERC, more than 30,000 hectares of land were cleared of mines and unexploded ordnance during the first half of 2025 under the priority of “Ensuring safe living conditions and public administration in the territories.” During this period, over 1,200 families were relocated to the cities of Jabrayil, Shusha, and Khojaly, as well as to the villages of Bəylik (Lachin), Ballıca (Khojaly), Sarıcalı and Kəngərli (Aghdam), and Həsənriz and Suqovuşan (Aghdara).

Mr. Sadigov also noted that transportation infrastructure projects progressed in line with the program. On May 10, the Aghdam Railway and Bus Terminal Complex was inaugurated with the participation of the President. The complex, functioning as a unified transport hub, will improve passenger transport convenience and contribute to the sustainable development of the region. In addition, construction of the Ahmadbeyli–Fuzuli–Shusha highway and the road from Sarsang Reservoir to Umudlu village (Aghdara) was completed, and both roads were officially opened by President Ilham Aliyev.

In the same period, significant progress was made in the construction of cultural heritage sites. The Aghdam Mugham Center, considered one of the key cultural projects, was completed, and its opening ceremony was held on May 10 with the participation of President Ilham Aliyev and First Lady Mehriban Aliyeva.

Regarding energy-efficient and environmentally friendly technologies, Mr. Sadigov emphasized that on May 27, the “Ashaghi Malibay” and “Mirik” hydroelectric power stations were inaugurated in Lachin. The construction of the Lachin Power Network Digital Control Center was also completed and opened to ensure stable high-voltage electricity supply to the region.

Furthermore, on May 28, 2025, the Lachin International Airport was officially opened with the participation of President Ilham Aliyev and President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan of Türkiye. The airport, located in a mountainous area, is the third international airport built in the liberated territories. It is expected to strengthen regional transportation links and boost tourism potential in the region.

During the same reporting period, the “Master Plan for the Development of Lachin City until 2040” was approved.

On June 19, the Zabukhchay Reservoir was commissioned as part of the water supply system development under the State Program. This project will provide irrigation water for more than 12,000 hectares of agricultural land in Zangilan and Gubadli districts.

In the field of education, 8 general education institutions and 8 preschool facilities began operating in the liberated territories during the period.

As part of the program, work continued to establish modern and accessible healthcare infrastructure. The Shusha Medical and Wellness Center was inaugurated with the participation of President Ilham Aliyev and First Lady Mehriban Aliyeva.

Mr. Sadigov also noted that cultural events and restoration of heritage sites continued actively. The 8th “Kharibulbul” International Music Festival was held in Shusha, the historic mosque in Qiyasli village (Aghdam) was reopened after restoration, and the Dashalti village mosque (Shusha district) was also inaugurated.

It should be noted that the monitoring of the State Program for the reporting period was carried out in accordance with the “Rules for the Preparation, Implementation, Monitoring and Evaluation of State Programs” approved by Presidential Decree No. 1294 of March 6, 2021. The monitoring process was implemented transparently and efficiently through the electronic portal (https://boyukqayidish.gov.az) in close cooperation with the relevant state agencies.