The Third Azerbaijan National Urban Forum was held in Khankendi, bringing together participants from many countries — architects, urbanists, journalists, and experts. The range of topics discussed was wide: from the preservation of historical and architectural heritage to environmental issues. Another key point should be noted — the forum in Khankendi became yet another sign of the ongoing “regionalization” of Azerbaijan’s political and cultural agenda. Whereas almost everything used to be concentrated in Baku, now large-scale forums, sports events, and even high-level meetings are increasingly being held in the regions.
However, the Azerbaijan National Urban Forum has its own special significance. The choice of Khankendi as its venue is highly symbolic. In his address to the forum participants, President Ilham Aliyev not only recalled the occupation of Azerbaijani territories by Armenia but also spoke about the ongoing efforts to revive and rebuild them.
It hardly needs reminding that Azerbaijan is now tackling unprecedented urban planning challenges — both in scale and complexity — across the liberated lands. These challenges vary in nature across different parts of the Karabakh and East Zangazur economic regions.
It has been said countless times, but bears repeating: in the liberated territories of the Aras Valley, Lowland Karabakh, and East Zangazur — an area equivalent to four Luxembourgs — the Armenian occupiers left nothing standing. Everything was destroyed: houses, utilities, schools, hospitals. Now, the task is not just to restore these lands but to create an entirely new environment. After thirty years, there is no way to simply rebuild what once existed. Instead, Azerbaijan is developing “smart” villages, agro-parks, industrial clusters, tourism complexes, and regional airports. The goal is to make these territories attractive both for residents and potential investors — and that goal is being successfully achieved.
A unique example of this revival is the city of Shusha. Even during the planning of its liberation, a decision was made to avoid overly destructive military tactics to preserve the city’s historical heritage. Shusha was liberated almost entirely in close combat. Today, its restoration is in full swing. But it is not just about repairing old buildings — Shusha is becoming a modern, comfortable city while retaining its historical identity. Lifeless Soviet-era apartment blocks that clash with the architecture of Karabakh’s cultural capital are being demolished.
Khankendi suffered less from war and looting than other Azerbaijani cities and towns. Yet, as has been repeatedly emphasized, it too requires a major “cleanup” — clearing the city of the chaotic, illegal constructions left by the separatists. At the same time, Khankendi must be transformed into a truly modern city. The Armenian occupiers gave little thought to Karabakh’s development. They may not have said it openly, but deep down they knew the occupation was not forever. Their behavior reflected that — from petty and large-scale looting to trading stolen goods, including railway rails, metal roofs, water pipes, and even natural resources. Urban development was never their concern. But building villas in Shusha or an ugly “Yerkrapa” headquarters in Khankendi — that was always welcome. Everything else could wait.
Today, however, the occupiers have been driven out of Karabakh by the “Iron Fist.” In their place have come creators — the rightful and genuine owners of these lands. That is why ambitious urban and regional development projects are now being implemented here in the best sense of the word. No other country in the world has ever faced urban planning challenges of such magnitude and complexity. Azerbaijan is handling them almost single-handedly. The revival of the liberated lands is not chaotic, not a patchwork of random initiatives — it follows a clear and well-thought-out strategy. It is no surprise that, as demonstrated by the Azerbaijan National Urban Forum, this strategy has attracted great interest from the global expert community.
Nurani
Translated from minval.az
