On October 20, Azerbaijan marks Zangilan City Day, commemorating the liberation of Zangilan city and surrounding villages from Armenian military occupation on the 24th day of the 2020 Patriotic War.
The Liberation of Zangilan and the Presidential Address
President Ilham Aliyev delivered the news of the liberation directly to the nation, stating: “Zangilan district. The glorious Azerbaijani Army has entered the territory of Zangilan district and ensured the liberation of residential settlements. I name the settlements located in the territory of Zangilan district: Havali village, Zarnali village, Mammadbayli village, Hakari village, Sharifan village, Muganli village, and Zangilan city! Zangilan is ours! Karabakh is ours!”
The head of state added: “Dear fellow compatriots, dear people of Zangilan, Fuzuli, Khojavend, Jabrayil, and residents of other occupied districts, we are fulfilling our mission. We are giving a worthy response to the enemy. We are punishing the enemy. The enemy is helpless before us. We are breaking the enemy’s back, and we will break it! Karabakh is ours! Long live Azerbaijan! Long live the Azerbaijani people!”
On December 23, 2020, President Ilham Aliyev raised the Azerbaijani flag in Zangilan. Under a presidential decree signed on July 31, 2023, October 20 was officially designated as Zangilan City Day. In addition, the medal “For the Liberation of Zangilan” was established, awarded to servicemen who demonstrated bravery and valor during combat operations for the district.
The ‘Three Points’ Military Operation and Strategic Significance
During the Patriotic War, Azerbaijani forces executed the successful “Three Points” operation to liberate Zangilan. Aerial reconnaissance conducted the day before gathered critical intelligence on enemy troop deployments, positions, hardware, and firing points, which was analyzed at command headquarters. The following night, swift agile groups conducted an infiltration assault, inflicting crushing blows that forced enemy units to retreat. Unmanned aerial vehicles simultaneously destroyed enemy artillery units and approaching armor in the rear.
Zangilan was occupied on October 29, 1993, and remained under occupation for 27 years, during which it suffered widespread destruction and the plundering of its natural resources. Its liberation secured control over key sectors of Eastern Zangezur. The liberation of the Aghband settlement and the Vejnali heights restored a 132-kilometer stretch of the Azerbaijan-Iran state border, cutting off illicit military transit into Armenia. Capturing heights such as Bartaz, Sighirt, and Shukūrataz, along with five other strategic points, provided vital military advantages that helped resolve the wider Karabakh campaign.
The Great Return and Accelerated Reconstruction
Immediately after the war, comprehensive redevelopment began across Zangilan, a district in Eastern Zangezur renowned for its dense forests, lush landscape, and abundant rivers. President Ilham Aliyev has visited the district numerous times to review progress, inaugurate new facilities, and break ground on key infrastructure projects.
Key developments include the commissioning of Zangilan International Airport, establishing the district as a central transport hub. Construction of the Horadiz-Jabrayil-Zangilan-Aghband highway, whose foundation was laid on October 26, 2021, represents a vital link in the Zangezur corridor.
Furthermore, modern residential complexes have been constructed alongside the completion of the pioneering “Smart Village” project in Aghali. Aghali features a Public Services Center and a “Smart DOST” station. The district also houses the newly opened Zangilan Congress Center Complex, hydroelectric power plants, and the Zangilan City Mosque. On July 19, 2022, the relocation of residents to Aghali initiated the historic Great Return. Resettlement continues today, with the State Employment Agency under the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection of the Population having already engaged more than 800 relocated residents in active employment programs.
