Decree of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan on the Establishment of City Days in the Territories Liberated from the Occupation of the Republic of Azerbaijan
July 31, 2023, 1:40 p.m.
As a result of Armenia's military aggression, our ancient historical lands, which had been under occupation for nearly 30 years, were liberated from military and political control during the 44-day Patriotic War. Each day leading up to the glorious Victory was etched in golden letters in the history of Azerbaijan.
Cities such as Jabrayil, Fuzuli, Zangilan, Gubadli, Minjivan, Aghband, Bartaz settlements of Zangilan district, Hadrut settlement of Khojavend district, along with many villages including Sugovushan village of Tartar district and several villages in Khojaly and Lachin districts, were devastated during the Patriotic War, exacting a heavy toll in the lives and blood of our brave Azerbaijan Army soldiers and officers. In total, more than 300 settlements, including villages and important strategic heights in the Aghdara, Murovdag, and Zangilan directions, were liberated from occupation. The war culminated with the liberation of Shusha, the crown jewel of Karabakh, and Armenia was compelled to sign the act of capitulation.
Azerbaijan's resounding victory on the battlefield was mirrored at the political level, as Armenia was obliged to release Agdam, Kalbajar, and Lachin regions from occupation, thereby restoring historical justice.
Over the 30-year occupation, our cities, villages, and settlements suffered destruction by Armenia, with our cultural heritage severely compromised, and our historical, cultural, and religious monuments, including mosques, vandalized and destroyed. The regions of Karabakh and Eastern Zangezur, now freed from occupation, are undergoing rapid reconstruction, mine clearance operations, and extensive restoration efforts.
To facilitate the return of internally displaced persons to their ancestral lands, the implementation of the "I State Program on the Great Return to Territories Freed from Occupation of the Republic of Azerbaijan," approved by the Decree of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan dated November 16, 2022, No. 3587, is currently underway. The return of IDPs to the village and city of Lachin has been successfully achieved, and these efforts continue in other areas.
In accordance with paragraph 32 of Article 109 of the Constitution of the Republic of Azerbaijan, I hereby make the following decision to commemorate the historic victory attained in the Patriotic War and to establish city days in the liberated territories:
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Annually, the following days shall be solemnly celebrated as city days in the liberated territories:
- August 26 – Lachin City Day
- October 4 – Jabrayil City Day
- October 17 – Fuzuli City Day
- October 20 – Zangilan City Day
- October 25 – Gubadli City Day
- November 8 – Shusha City Day
- November 20 – Agdam City Day
- November 25 – Kalbajar City Day
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The Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Azerbaijan, in coordination with special delegations from the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, shall undertake the necessary measures to address the issues arising from this Order.
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The Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic of Azerbaijan shall resolve any matters arising from this Order.
Ilham Aliyev
President of the Republic of Azerbaijan
City of Baku, July 31, 2023"
