On November 7, in connection with Victory Day, the State Committee on Urban Planning and Architecture and the Caspian Boulevard Administration jointly organized a photo exhibition titled “Great Return Along the Path of Victory.” The exhibition, which will run for one month at the National Seaside Park, showcases the reconstruction efforts in the liberated territories and the results of the Great Return State Program. Through the exhibition, residents of the capital and visitors can become acquainted with the modern urban models that Azerbaijan has implemented in these areas within a short period.

It should be noted that following the historic victory achieved by our Glorious Army under the leadership of the Supreme Commander, Mr. Ilham Aliyev, during the 44-day Patriotic War, Azerbaijan has entered a new phase in urban development. The successful results achieved over five years in areas devastated by aggression, and exposed to urbicide and ecocide, have become a global example of post-conflict reconstruction. Azerbaijan’s modern urban policy is based on the principles of people-centered design, sustainability, and innovation.

During this period, the Master Plan for the liberated territories, master plans for eight cities, and master plans for Stepanakert, Khojaly, Agdere, and Khojavend are being prepared. In addition, project documentation for more than 90 villages and settlements has been approved, and design works for 20 settlements are in the final stages. These documents lay the foundation for each settlement to develop as a socially and economically balanced urban environment. According to these plans, new residential complexes, educational and healthcare facilities, public catering establishments, museums, and cultural centers are being constructed. Road and street networks, tourism and recreation zones, and industrial parks are being established, along with energy-efficient construction and smart infrastructure solutions. Special attention is given to the restoration of architectural monuments and the harmony between historical heritage and modern innovations.

As a result of these efforts, former internally displaced persons have already returned to 30 settlements (6 cities, 2 towns, and 22 villages) across 10 districts in the liberated territories. Overall, nearly 60,000 people now live, work, and study in these areas.

The “Great Return Along the Path of Victory” photo exhibition visually conveys the spirit of these transformations. The revival story of Karabakh and Eastern Zangazur comes to life through the photographer’s lens. All urban development and infrastructure projects depicted in the photos, along with scenes of returning to the homeland, symbolize victory, instilling great optimism and confidence in the future.

Thus, the past five years have become a period of creating a new urban reality for Azerbaijan. The country’s revival goes beyond a construction boom, developing a unique model of post-conflict sustainable urban development.