"As a result of the 44-day Patriotic War and the local counter-terrorism measures carried out in 2023, the Republic of Azerbaijan fully restored its state sovereignty and territorial integrity, thereby shaping new geopolitical realities in the region. With this historic Victory, an important step was taken toward ensuring lasting peace and sustainable development in the region," the State Committee on Urban Planning and Architecture of the Republic of Azerbaijan told APA.
It was noted that for five years now, under the leadership of the Victorious Supreme Commander-in-Chief, President Ilham Aliyev, a large-scale and systematic process of reconstruction and restoration has been carried out in the liberated territories within the framework of the Great Return State Program.
“This program, which covers the economic regions of Karabakh and East Zangezur, is not only about rebuilding destroyed infrastructure, but also about restoring national identity, historical memory, and statehood. Within the program, comprehensive projects based on modern urban planning principles are being implemented in the liberated territories — in cities, towns, and villages. Residential neighborhoods are being built, schools, hospitals, cultural centers, roads, energy, and water supply systems are being established. At the same time, cultural heritage sites are being restored and historical monuments are being revived,” the statement said.
As a continuation of this wave of construction, in September 2025, another significant and symbolic project will be launched in the city of Khankendi: “Thus, the demolition of the administrative building long used by the so-called ‘Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ of the separatist regime has begun, and in its place, a modern administrative building will be constructed for the Karabakh Regional Department of Architecture and Urban Planning under the State Committee on Urban Planning and Architecture. The demolition began symbolically on September 2 — the very date on which the now-defunct so-called ‘republic’ was once declared. The choice of this date is not accidental: the goal is to completely eliminate the traces of separatism from our lands and to once again emphasize that a new stage of construction and development has begun on the foundation of Azerbaijan’s territorial integrity.”
The architectural-conceptual design and technical specifications of the new administrative building to be constructed in the center of Khankendi have been prepared in line with the strategic development priorities of Karabakh. The building will serve as the main headquarters of the Karabakh Regional Department of Architecture and Urban Planning, which has, for the past four years, ensured urban planning and construction activities in the economic zones of Karabakh and East Zangezur, playing a key role in the region’s reconstruction and revitalization. This Department of the State Committee on Urban Planning and Architecture is responsible for implementing comprehensive urban planning and infrastructure projects, applying modern architectural and urbanistic concepts, coordinating the activities of state and private entities in the field, preserving cultural and historical heritage, and creating comfortable and functional urban spaces for living. From here, all the key planning and supervisory mechanisms for the region’s sustainable development, creation of modern infrastructure, preservation of ecological balance, and ensuring the safe and comfortable life of the population will be managed. The building, long associated with destruction and unlawful separatism, will, in this new stage, become a symbol of revival and reconstruction. Professional specialists directly engaged in the restoration of Karabakh and East Zangezur will work there.
The new three-story building of the Regional Department will be constructed in a modern architectural style, using sustainable building materials, with a total area of approximately 2,000 square meters. It is planned to be commissioned at the beginning of 2027.
Within the framework of the project, a modern working environment will be created to ensure the effective performance of the staff. The building will include spacious offices with advanced technical facilities, areas for citizen reception, and spaces for holding meetings.
Built as part of the continuation of the Great Return program carried out under the conditions of the full restoration of the territorial integrity and state sovereignty of the Republic of Azerbaijan, this building will serve to strengthen public administration in Karabakh and will take its rightful place in history as a valuable symbol expressing the unshakable will of our people and the strength of our state.
