An article about the city of Aghdam has been published in Serbia’s “NIN” magazine, APA reports.
The article covers Aghdam’s history from the 18th century to the present day.
The article highlights the development in the city of Aghdam following the occupation:
“Established in the 18th century, this city was known for its white stone palaces and numerous homes belonging to the local aristocracy, many of which were over two hundred years old. Before the war, returnees say Agdam was a vibrant commercial center. Now, from what was once the city center, only fragments of the walls of a drama theater, a post-office building, and an old hotel remain. Everything else is destroyed.”
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It is noted that Aghdam residents who returned to their homeland after 30 years of occupation encountered a devastated city: “They were greeted by a scene of a city reduced to rubble. Yet, they regarded both the ruins they encountered and the city itself as their home..”
Agdam, which according to the last Soviet census in 1989 had a population of 131,293, including 28,000 living in the city itself and over 103,000 in surrounding villages:
"A mosque, heavily vandalized and damaged during the First Nagorno-Karabakh War, has recently been restored. It stands as a rare example of an architectural monument in Agdam that was not completely destroyed. Due to the extent of the devastation, Agdam is often referred to as the “Hiroshima of the Caucasus” or the “ghost town.”
The article states that the city of Aghdam was occupied in 1993 and was virtually abandoned for nearly 30 years: “To the right, a marked area signifies mine clearance operations, as hundreds of thousands of mines and remnants of other explosive devices pose significant obstacles to the reconstruction of the area, and efforts to neutralize them have been underway for several years.”
Demining is conducted by specialized teams with international support, encompassing the marking of hazardous zones, the removal of mines, and the education of local residents regarding safety. In the entire region of Karabakh, approximately 248,000 hectares have been cleared since demining operations began six years ago.
The article also includes remarks by Aghdam resident Faik Rahimov. He lived with his wife in one of the now-destroyed houses near the mosque before the occupation: “Leading us to what was once his home, Faik explains that the war that broke out in the 1990s forced them to relocate to Yevlakh, where they still live today with relatives. He states that they had to leave everything behind in a hurry.”
The article, citing officials, states that Aghdam is expected to become one of the largest cities in Karabakh, with a population of around 100,000. The return primarily pertains to those who were displaced, with priority given to families currently living in difficult conditions or student dormitories. According to local reports, the total number of settled families in Agdam at this stage is 222.
The piece also touches upon the occupation and liberation of Aghdam, as well as the processes carried out to date.
It further mentions the initialing of a peace agreement between Azerbaijan and Armenia in August 2025: "In August 2025, after nearly four decades of continuous conflict, a peace agreement was signed between Azerbaijan and Armenia in Washington, with mediation from the United States. This agreement formally concluded the conflict and opened a new phase of regional cooperation and integration."
In conclusion, the article highlights the ongoing reconstruction efforts in Aghdam, the gradual return of life to normal, and the creation of infrastructure such as schools, hospitals, sports centers, and other facilities aimed at improving the population’s welfare.
The article also reflects the satisfaction of one Aghdam resident at returning to their homeland and notes that people are gradually adapting to the new environment.
“ It is perhaps best summed up by the phrase that life continues, despite everything,” the article concludes.
