Aliyev Visits Jabrayil, Hands House Keys to Returning Residents

Presidential Visit to Shukurbeyli

President Ilham Aliyev and First Lady Mehriban Aliyeva traveled to Azerbaijan's Jabrayil district on May 9, 2026, where they met with families relocating to the rebuilt village of Shukurbeyli. The president personally presented house keys to returning residents, marking another milestone in the country's reconstruction of territories liberated from Armenian occupation.

According to APA, Shukurbeyli now has 635 newly built houses, while more than 900 former residents have applied to return. The figure exceeds current housing capacity, reflecting strong demand for return among displaced families. The village had been completely destroyed during the years of occupation, with no buildings left intact, Trend.Az and APA reported.

Tribute to Heydar Aliyev

Earlier the same day, the president and first lady visited the tomb of National Leader Heydar Aliyev at the Alley of Honors in Baku. They laid a wreath, and the Azerbaijani national anthem was performed at the ceremony. May 10, 2026, marks the 103rd anniversary of Heydar Aliyev's birth, giving the visit added symbolic weight.

"Jabrayil will make a significant contribution to our country," President Aliyev told residents in Shukurbeyli, according to Trend.Az. He added that "alongside housing and education, employment issues are also being addressed."

Reconstruction and Development

During the visit, the president discussed major infrastructure projects underway in the district. Three solar power plants are under construction in Jabrayil with a combined capacity of 340 megawatts. A four-lane highway is being extended toward the Armenian border as part of the Zangezur Corridor project.

The president also highlighted the 200-hectare Araz Valley Economic Zone Industrial Park, where 20 residents have launched production activity. The combination of housing, transport links, energy infrastructure and industrial parks underscores the government's integrated approach to reviving the liberated territories within the framework of the Great Return program.