Khanoba: President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev and First Lady Mehriban Aliyeva reviewed the restoration of individual houses and infrastructure in Khanoba village of the Khojavend district on March 18. Emin Huseynov, Special Representative of the President in the Aghdam, Fuzuli, and Khojavend districts, briefed the head of state and the First Lady on reconstruction progress and upcoming projects in the village.

According to Azerbaijan State News Agency, Khanoba village is located in the administrative territorial district of the same name in Khojavend, 15 kilometers southwest of the district center. It was historically a residential area belonging to the Garabagh khans. Prior to the occupation, the village had a secondary school, a club, a library, a medical point, and a communications department. The village was liberated following the anti-terror operation carried out by the Armed Forces of Azerbaijan in 2023.

The village has 153 individual houses, of which 21 are unfit for use and 132 are partially usable. Of the partially usable houses, 26 are already ready for occupancy, with an additional 106 expected to be completed by the end of the year. A few days ago, at the initial stage, 25 families comprising 114 people returned to the village. By October, the relocation of another 107 families is planned. In total, since October last year, 1,818 people (441 families) have returned to six residential areas of the Khojavend district.

A number of measures have been implemented in Khanoba village to address social infrastructure needs. Two existing transformer substations, as well as electricity and gas lines, have been restored. New electricity, gas, and fiber-optic lines have been laid, and repair work has been carried out at the subartesian well and pumping station.

The head of state and the First Lady also visited the home of Beybala Gasimov, a resident who recently returned to the village. Later, President Ilham Aliyev and First Lady Mehriban Aliyeva met with the returning residents of Khanoba village. The head of state lit the Novruz bonfire together with the village residents.

Afterwards, President Ilham Aliyev and First Lady Mehriban Aliyeva spoke with the village residents. Greeting the residents, President Ilham Aliyev expressed satisfaction over the return to the native Garabagh land and emphasized the significance of celebrating Novruz and Ramadan in their homeland. He highlighted the reconstruction efforts and the establishment of necessary living conditions in the village.

President Ilham Aliyev noted the achievements in restoring national pride and territorial integrity, as well as the heroism of the Armed Forces in liberating the land. He underscored the rebuilding efforts across the region and the gradual return of internally displaced persons as part of the 'Great Return' Program.

The residents thanked President Ilham Aliyev for the conditions created for them.