Fuzuli, July 17, 2025 – The Europe Today: President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev and Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov visited the city of Fuzuli on Wednesday to assess the scale of destruction caused during the decades-long Armenian occupation and to observe the progress of reconstruction efforts.
During the visit, Chairman Berdimuhamedov was presented with a detailed briefing on the city’s Master Plan by Emin Huseynov, Special Representative of the President of Azerbaijan in the Aghdam, Fuzuli, and Khojavend districts. Huseynov highlighted the widespread destruction and acts of vandalism inflicted on Fuzuli over 30 years, noting that the city was once a densely populated and thriving urban center, completely looted and left in ruins during the occupation.
Following the liberation of the region, the Azerbaijani government swiftly developed and approved a comprehensive Master Plan for the city’s redevelopment, which was unveiled to the public in 2021 by President Ilham Aliyev. Strategically located at the crossroads of major transportation arteries in the Karabakh and East Zangezur economic regions, Fuzuli spans approximately 1,942 hectares and is projected to accommodate 50,000 residents by 2040.
As part of the extensive reconstruction efforts, the Fuzuli Memorial Complex — including the Occupation and Victory Museums — is planned, while the Kurmangazy Creativity Center has already been completed. Key infrastructure projects are underway, including the construction of a city hospital and the development of a City Park, alongside ambitious landscaping and greening initiatives.
To support a high quality of life, social infrastructure such as kindergartens and schools will be built within 300 and 500 meters of residential areas, respectively. The Master Plan envisions Fuzuli as a model urban center in the liberated territories, rebuilt in accordance with modern architectural standards and incorporating the innovative “Smart City” concept.
The administrative center of the city, occupying over 12 hectares, will be divided into three functional zones to ensure optimal governance and service delivery.
The visit underscored Azerbaijan’s commitment to reviving war-torn regions and fostering regional cooperation, with both leaders reaffirming their dedication to peace, development, and the strengthening of bilateral ties.
