President Ilham Aliyev stated that the historical memory of the Azerbaijani people has remained intact despite attempts to erase their heritage from the region. The head of state made these remarks on May 9 during a meeting with residents who have relocated to Shukurbayli village in the Jabrayil district.
According to the Operative Information Center-OMM, President Ilham Aliyev emphasized that although cities and villages were destroyed, the connection of the people to their lands was never broken. "I know that you and all former internally displaced persons lived with one dream—the desire to return to your native lands. Some of you settled in houses provided by the state in the Bilasuvar district, while others created conditions for yourselves elsewhere. But of course, the native land and the motherland are dearer than anything else," the President said.
The resettlement of residents to Shukurbayli is a key component of the "Great Return" program, a strategic state initiative aimed at the reconstruction and repopulation of territories liberated from occupation. Jabrayil, located in the southern part of Azerbaijan, was liberated in October 2020. Since then, the government of Azerbaijan has launched extensive infrastructure projects across the Garabagh and East Zangazur regions, including the construction of modern residential complexes, schools, and hospitals to ensure a high standard of living for returning citizens.
