October 4 is one of the important and memorable days in the history of Azerbaijan. This date holds a special place in the memory of our people in connection with the liberation of the city of Jabrayil from occupation. By the Decree of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan dated July 31, 2023, October 4 has been established as Jabrayil City Day every year. The purpose of establishing this day is to immortalize the historic victory achieved in the Patriotic War and to keep alive the history of the liberated cities.
Jabrayil is one of the ancient settlements of Azerbaijan and an important region of Karabakh. The Jabrayil district was occupied by the Armenian armed forces on August 23, 1993. As a result of the occupation, the residents of the district were displaced from their native lands, and settlements and objects of historical and cultural heritage were severely damaged. For many years, the people of Jabrayil lived with the desire to return to their native lands.
The Patriotic War, which began on September 27, 2020, was a decisive stage in restoring Azerbaijan’s territorial integrity. As a result of the military operations carried out by the Azerbaijani Army, a number of settlements were liberated from occupation. The liberation of the city of Jabrayil on October 4, 2020, was one of the important events of this process. Official materials from the President of Azerbaijan note that Jabrayil was the first city liberated from occupation during the Patriotic War, and this victory carried significant moral importance for operations in other directions.
The liberation of Jabrayil was the beginning of the realization of the hope of return for the people of Jabrayil. The hoisting of the State Flag of the Republic of Azerbaijan in the city went down in history as a symbol of the restoration of state sovereignty and territorial integrity. This event had great historical significance not only for Jabrayil but for the entire Azerbaijan.
Following its liberation from occupation, extensive restoration and construction work began in the city of Jabrayil. New residential areas, social facilities, schools, and other infrastructure projects are being implemented based on modern urban planning principles. This process is one of the important aspects of the Great Return program. The goal is to ensure that former internally displaced persons live in their native lands in safe, comfortable, and modern conditions.
On October 4, 2024, the opening of a residential complex took place in the city of Jabrayil, and the keys to new apartments were presented to the city residents. According to official information, the residential complex was planned to have 33 buildings and 712 apartments. Social and household facilities, recreation areas, and children’s and sports grounds have also been created in the complex. These steps are an important example of the process of Jabrayil becoming a space for life and development again.
The restoration of the city of Jabrayil is not limited to construction and infrastructure projects. Preserving historical memory, restoring cultural heritage, and strengthening the connection of future generations with their native land are also of great importance here. The reconstruction of the city holds special meaning in terms of creating a link between the past and the future.
By celebrating October 4 as Jabrayil City Day, it has become a date for commemorating the martyrs, remembering the services of veterans and participants of the war, and celebrating a new phase in the lives of people returning to their native lands. This day is an important occasion to remember Jabrayil’s past, its liberation in 2020, and the ongoing restoration process.
In conclusion, October 4 – Jabrayil City Day holds a special place in the modern history of Azerbaijan. The liberation of Jabrayil was one of the important events of the Patriotic War, and in the subsequent period, a new phase began for the reconstruction of the city and the return of its residents to their native land. The revival of Jabrayil is one of the concrete examples of the Great Return policy implemented in the liberated territories of Azerbaijan. This date is significant both for remembering the past and for looking at the future development of Jabrayil.