Aghdam: An article about the city of Aghdam has been published in Serbia's 'NIN' magazine, APA reports. The article covers Aghdam's history from the 18th century to the present day, highlighting the development in the city following the occupation.
According to Azeri-Press News Agency, Aghdam, established in the 18th century, was renowned for its white stone palaces and numerous homes belonging to the local aristocracy, many of which were over two hundred years old. Before the war, returnees recall Aghdam as a vibrant commercial center. However, what remains of the once-bustling city center are merely fragments of the walls of a drama theater, a post-office building, and an old hotel. Everything else is destroyed.
The article notes that Aghdam residents who returned to their homeland after 30 years of occupation encountered a devastated city. Despite the scene of a city reduced to rubble, they regarded the ruins and the city itself as their home. According to the last Soviet census in 1989, Aghdam had a population of 131,293, including 28,000 living in the city and over 103,000 in surrounding villages.
A mosque, heavily vandalized and damaged during the First Nagorno-Karabakh War, has recently been restored. It stands as a rare example of an architectural monument in Aghdam that was not completely destroyed. Due to the extent of the devastation, Aghdam is often referred to as the 'Hiroshima of the Caucasus' or the 'ghost town.'
The article states that Aghdam was occupied in 1993 and was virtually abandoned for nearly 30 years. A marked area signifies mine clearance operations, as hundreds of thousands of mines and remnants of other explosive devices pose significant obstacles to the reconstruction of the area. Efforts to neutralize these hazards have been underway for several years, conducted by specialized teams with international support.
Demining operations in the entire region of Karabakh have cleared approximately 248,000 hectares since they began six years ago. The article also includes remarks by Aghdam resident Faik Rahimov, who lived with his wife in one of the now-destroyed houses near the mosque before the occupation. Faik explains that the war in the 1990s forced them to relocate to Yevlakh, where they still live today with relatives, having left everything behind in a hurry.
Citing officials, the article states that Aghdam is expected to become one of the largest cities in Karabakh, with a population of around 100,000. The return primarily pertains to those who were displaced, with priority given to families currently living in difficult conditions or student dormitories. Local reports indicate that the total number of settled families in Aghdam at this stage is 222.
The piece touches upon the occupation and liberation of Aghdam, as well as the processes carried out to date. It further mentions the initialing of a peace agreement between Azerbaijan and Armenia in August 2025. This agreement, signed in Washington with mediation from the United States, formally concluded the conflict and opened a new phase of regional cooperation and integration.
In conclusion, the article highlights the ongoing reconstruction efforts in Aghdam, the gradual return of life to normal, and the creation of infrastructure such as schools, hospitals, sports centers, and other facilities aimed at improving the population's welfare. The article reflects the satisfaction of one Aghdam resident at returning to their homeland and notes that people are gradually adapting to the new environment, summarizing with the phrase that life continues, despite everything.