Azerbaijan’s Gubadli, 23 years under Armenian occupation

Gubadli, the ancient land of Azerbaijan with majestic mountains, beautiful forests, wild rivers and fertile soil, was occupied by Armenian invasion troops 23 years ago - on August 31, 1993. Armenia made territorial claims against Azerbaijan starting 1988. After the occupation of Lachin, Agdam, Fuzuli and Jabrayil regions, Gubadli has been under a siege.

All 93 villages of the region fell under the control of the enemy. As a result, more than 30,000 residents of the region became IDPs in their Motherland.

Some 283 people heroically died while defending Gubadli, and seven of them were awarded the title of National Hero of Azerbaijan. Those, who survived the Armenian aggression, now live in 47 regions of the country.

Before the occupation there were 21 public secondary schools, including 26 eight-year schools, 15 primary schools, 1 part-time school, as well as 4 hospitals and 33 medical centers, and 111 cultural-educational institution, 60 libraries, 10 cultural centers, 28 cultural clubs, 6 auto-clubs, 23 film projectors were functioned in Gubadli.

The cultural heritage of Gubadli included archeological monuments like a residential area of the late bronze-early iron ages in the old part of Gubadli town, two castles of the late bronze-early iron ages in Aliguluushagy village, one more castle of the same period in Murdakhanly village, havens of the IV century in the Aliguluushagy, Balahasanli and Zor villages, a IV century cave in Gavur gorge and a XIV century cemetery in the territory of Yazy flat, blue castles of the V century in Aliguluushagy and Eyvazly villages, the XIII-XIV century tombs and XVI century spring in Damirchilar village, the XVIII century tomb in Gurjulu village, defence castle of IXXII centuries in Ashaghy Khojamsaghly village and Albanian temples of middle ages in Basharat, Mazra and Yukhary Cibikhly villages, as well as a number of other monuments. Unfortunately, the cultural values of Azerbaijani people were looted.

There was unused agate deposit, marble resource, as well as a lot of springs that are rich with natural minerals in Gubadli. After the occupation, Armenian invaders destroyed large tracts of forest with valuable tree species, mineral springs, unique beauty of natural landscapes located in the region.

Azerbaijan is confident that for the lasting peace, security and stability in the South Caucasus, Azerbaijan’s occupied territories must be liberated and refugees and IDP’s must return to their native lands.