Karabakh, July 11 — President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev on July 11 visited liberated territories and participated in the opening of a series of important infrastructure, energy, culture and tourism facilities in the cities of Lachin, Shusha and Khankendi, laying the foundation for new projects.
Large water reservoir foundation laid in Lachin and 3 new hydroelectric stations opened
During the visit, the head of state laid the foundation for the "Hakari" water reservoir on the Hakari River, which forms in Azerbaijan's borders in Lachin district, with a total capacity of 100 million cubic meters. As part of the project, a 172-kilometer main pipeline with a capacity of 8 cubic meters per second will be constructed. This infrastructure will provide approximately 700,000 people in Lachin, Qubadli, Zangilan, Jabrayil, Fuzuli, Khocavend and Agdam districts with quality drinking water. Along the main pipeline, the construction of 3 hydroelectric power stations (HES) with a total capacity of 10.81 MW is envisaged.
President Ilham Aliyev subsequently inaugurated three hydroelectric power stations online: the 14.7 MW "Agbulaq-1", the 14.25 MW "Agbulaq-2" and the 4 MW "Sheylanli" stations located on the Hochaz River in Lachin. Equipped with modern SCADA systems, these stations will produce over 200 million kilowatt-hours of "green" electricity annually. This will save 45 million cubic meters of natural gas per year and prevent 80,000 tons of carbon emissions from entering the atmosphere. It was noted that Lachin district's current electricity demand is fully met by local green energy.
Historical monuments restored in Shusha, public-private partnership expands
The state leader's next stop was Shusha city. The President participated in the opening of the house-museum of renowned Azerbaijani musician, tar player and composer Sadigjan, which was restored after being destroyed during the occupation. The museum complex includes exhibition halls dedicated to Sadigjan's life and creative work, a concert hall and a musical instruments workshop. In front of the building, a sculptural composition titled "Voice of Creativity" dedicated to Shusha's musical heritage, created by renowned artist Rashad Mehdiyev, was unveiled.
President Ilham Aliyev became acquainted with 10 new buildings (hotels, apartment hotels, offices) built by local investors as part of public-private partnership on Karabakh Street in Shusha, and with new buildings of the "Yasaman" boutique hotel restored by the Heydar Aliyev Foundation.
Modern tourism complex in Khankendi: "Khankendi" hotel put into operation
As part of the visit program, President Ilham Aliyev inaugurated the "Khankendi" hotel in Khankendi city, which meets high standards. The four-story hotel with 101 rooms is equipped with all necessary conditions for comfortable accommodation of 236 guests simultaneously. The complex will include cafes, restaurants and a sports hall. Of the 45 people employed at the hotel, 20 are residents of liberated cities and districts.
These implemented projects once again demonstrate the rapid reconstruction dynamics of Karabakh and Eastern Zangezur, the region's transformation into a "green energy zone" and the region's significant tourism potential.