The historical memory of Karabakh, a reborn cradle of culture

There are cities in Azerbaijan whose names embody the memory of an entire region, the destiny of a nation, the pain of wars, and the joy of victory. Agdam is one of those cities. Marking November 20 as Agdam City Day is not only a commemoration of a historical fact, but also a symbol of the city’s ancient past, the tragedies of the occupation period, and its magnificent revival in modern times. The name “Agdam” in ancient Turkic languages means “small fortress,” as well as “sun-lit white house.” For centuries, Turkic tribes who settled on this land built strong fortifications for defense, transforming Agdam into a place of both strategic and cultural importance. The white-stone residence built here in the 18th century by Panahali Khan, founder of the Karabakh Khanate, became the architectural hallmark of the city. Archaeological research confirms that the territory of Agdam hosted human settlements 6–8 thousand years ago, dating back to the Eneolithic period. Excavations in Uzarliktapa revealed an essential fact: Agdam was one of the earliest urban-type settlements in the Caucasus, with a highly developed agricultural culture. Discovered wheat and grape samples prove that this land has long been a cradle of ancient civilization. The fierce battles for Agdam in 1993 lasted 42 days. On July 23, 73% of the district’s territory was occupied by Armenian armed forces. This occupation destroyed not only land but also history, culture, and urban life:

128,000 people were displaced;

More than 6,000 people were martyred;

90 villages and 882 km² of land were occupied;

271 cultural centres, 74 schools, 38 kolkhozes, 12 industrial facilities, and the world’s only Bread Museum were destroyed;

Mosques were desecrated, cemeteries demolished, geographical names were altered

Although UN Security Council Resolution 853 unequivocally demanded the “immediate, complete, and unconditional withdrawal of occupying forces from Agdam,” Armenia ignored international law. The destruction committed in Agdam was not merely vandalism—it was a systematic cultural genocide. Thanks to the Great Victory in the 2020 Patriotic War, Agdam was returned to Azerbaijan on November 20, 2020, without a single shot being fired, in accordance with the trilateral Statement. This marked the restoration of historical justice and the saving of countless lives. A special medal, “For the liberation of Agdam,” was established by President Ilham Aliyev, and 5,790 servicemen were awarded orders and medals. With the decree signed in 2023, November 20 was officially designated Agdam City Day—a state-level acknowledgment of this historic moment. Agdam’s Master Plan, approved in 2022, was the first among all liberated territories. The plan envisions transforming Agdam into the largest city of Karabakh and the fourth largest in Azerbaijan:

A new city for 100,000 residents;

5 modern residential districts;

Agdam Industrial Park — the economic locomotive of the liberated territories;

Return of hundreds of families under the “Great Return” program;

Restoration of roads, water and power systems, schools, hospitals;

Reviving cultural landmarks, parks, and green areas.

As of October 2025, 3,318 people (825 families) have returned to Agdam. The Agdam Industrial Park, created in 2021, now hosts 28 resident and 4 non-resident entrepreneurs with a total investment volume exceeding 260 million AZN:

9 enterprises are already operating,

5 enterprises are under construction,

938 people have permanent employment.

The Industrial Park is a key pillar of Karabakh’s economic revival. In 2025, the Agdam Mugham Center opened—an important cultural project aimed at restoring the musical heritage of Karabakh. Its 474-seat hall, 15 classrooms, exhibition gallery, and open-air amphitheater are set to transform Agdam into one of the region’s cultural capitals. The restoration of architectural gems such as Panahali Khan’s Palace Complex, the Juma Mosque, and Shahbulag Fortress revives the historical identity of Agdam.

The Agdam Railway and Bus Terminal Complex, inaugurated in 2025, has become a new transportation hub:

Railway capacity: 800–1000 passengers per day

Bus capacity: 1300–1500 passengers per day

This marks a strategic turning point in Karabakh’s logistics system. Between 2020 and 2025, President Ilham Aliyev made over 20 visits to Agdam, laying foundations for numerous projects, inaugurating facilities, and launching the first construction phases of villages.

The President’s words define the essence of this mission: “The destroyed city of Agdam stands as evidence of Armenian barbarism. We will rebuild Agdam and restore all the villages. There should be no doubt about this.” Today, Agdam is not just a city—it is a symbol of the Azerbaijani nation’s resilience, the strength of our state, and the strategy of Karabakh’s revival.

November 20 – Agdam City Day is:

a lesson of history,

a magnificent outcome of victory,

and the birth date of a great future city.

Every school, every park, every building rising here is a confident step toward tomorrow.

Bayram Khudayarov

Researcher at the Physics Institute of the Ministry of Science and Education, Founder and admin of the Facebook group 'Followers of the Heydar Aliyev School', Active member of the New Azerbaijan Party (YAP)