President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev, First Lady Mehriban Aliyeva, and their daughter Arzu Aliyeva visited the village of Khanabad in the Khojaly district on February 25 to inspect the ongoing restoration and redevelopment works.
According to Operative Information Center-OMM, Elchin Yusubov, the Special Representative of the President in the city of Khankendi, and the districts of Aghdara and Khojaly, briefed the head of state and the First Lady on the comprehensive reconstruction measures implemented in the village. It was reported that Khanabad, which was liberated from occupation following the local anti-terror measures carried out by the Azerbaijani Armed Forces in 2023, is undergoing rapid revitalization to facilitate the return of former internally displaced persons.
During the visit, President Ilham Aliyev and his family members met with the family of Amrah Sahibli, who recently relocated to the village. The President inquired about the living conditions and employment status of the residents. It was noted that out of 276 houses in the village, 120 have already been fully renovated, with another 41 scheduled for completion by the end of the year. To date, 38 families consisting of 154 people have returned to Khanabad. Furthermore, out of the 4,100 people who have relocated to the broader Khojaly district, 1,230 have already been provided with permanent employment.
The restoration of Khanabad is part of the "Great Return" program, a strategic initiative by the government of Azerbaijan to rebuild infrastructure and social services in the territories liberated from Armenian occupation. Historically, Khanabad was home to significant cultural landmarks, including a 13th-century church and the 9th-century "Aslan Gala" (Lion Castle) architectural monument. The current redevelopment includes the restoration of electricity, gas, and optical communication lines, the construction of new water reservoirs, and the establishment of a park on the shores of Lake Khanabad, ensuring a modern and sustainable living environment for the returning population.
