Fuzuli: President Ilham Aliyev of Azerbaijan and Chairman of Turkmenistan’s Halk Maslahaty, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, visited the destroyed areas of Fuzuli city.

According to Azeri-Press News Agency, the visit on July 17 included a briefing for Chairman Berdimuhamedov on the city’s Master Plan, which outlines the restoration of Fuzuli following its liberation.

Emin Huseynov, Special Representative of the President of Azerbaijan in the Aghdam, Fuzuli, and Khojavend districts, informed Chairman Berdimuhamedov about the extensive destruction and vandalism the Fuzuli district suffered during thirty years of Armenian occupation. Huseynov also updated on ongoing and planned restoration efforts that align with the city’s Master Plan.

Fuzuli, once a densely populated city, was looted and left in ruins during the occupation. After its liberation, a Master Plan was developed and approved by President Aliyev, presented to the public in 2021. Located at a strategic intersection of the Karabakh and East Zangezur economic regions, Fuzuli is crucial for transport and logistics. The city covers around 1,942 hectares and, according to the Master Plan, is expected to house 50,000 residents by 2040.

The reconstruction efforts include the establishment of the Fuzuli Memorial Complex with the Occupation and Victory Museums. The Kurmangazy Creativity Center has already been constructed. A city hospital is underway, alongside plans for a City Park and extensive landscaping. Social infrastructure like kindergartens and schools will be positioned within 300 and 500 meters respectively. The restoration aims to transform Fuzuli into a key city in the liberated territories, rebuilt to modern standards and incorporating the ‘Smart City’ concept. The administrative center will span over 12 hectares, divided into three functional sections.