Laman Ismayilova

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Five years ago, on September 27, the 44-day Patriotic War began,a defining moment in Azerbaijan's history,Azernews reports.

Under the leadership of President and Supreme Commander-in-ChiefIlham Aliyev, territories that had been under occupation for nearly30 years were liberated and returned to their rightful owner.

In recognition of this significant event, President Ilham Aliyevissued a decree on July 31, 2023, which officially designatedNovember 25 as Kalbajar City Day. This day is now a symbol of theliberation and revitalization of Kalbajar.

To mark Kalbajar City Day, a series of commemorative events wereheld in the city, co- organized by the Azerbaijan Culture Ministryand the Special Representative Office of the Azerbaijani Presidentin Kalbajar district.

As part of the celebration, the team from the Ganja StateNational Drama Theater presented the play "Tig-tig Khanum" byAbdullah Shaiga to the young audience.

Directed by Shahmar Mammadov, with set designer Vahab Jafarovand musical designer Ziyad Abbasov, the team created a vibrantmusical fairy tale on stage, where the educational ideas of theauthor were harmoniously combined with music and dance. Theperformance was warmly received and accompanied by loudapplause.

The central square of Kalbajar was filled with thematicexhibitions. Azerbaijan Culture Minister Adil Karimli, the SpecialRepresentative of the President Bashir Hajiyev, officialrepresentatives, and local residents toured the displays.

The photo exhibition "Kalbajar – Through the Lens of History",organized by the Azerbaijan Photographers Union, showcased 44 workssymbolizing the 44 days of the Patriotic War. The photographscaptured Kalbajar before and after the occupation, its naturallandscapes, historical monuments, and the processes of restoringthe liberated territories. The exhibition created a visual bridgebetween the past, present, and future of the region.

The exhibition "Memory", prepared by the National Carpet Museum,displayed rare examples of carpet weaving from Garabagh andKalbajar. Special attention was drawn to the recreated alachigh, atraditional nomadic dwelling that reveals the ethnographiccharacteristics of the region.

"The Palette of Kalbajar – Wealth Reflected in Paintings"featured works by local artists created during their creative tripsto the region. The paintings conveyed the unique nature, ancienthistory, and the spirit of Victory that accompanied the liberationof the city.

The exhibition also showcased examples of folk art: woodcarving,inlay, and felt-making crafts. Some artisans demonstrated theprocess of creating their works. Workshops were organized forchildren, where they painted landscapes of Kalbajar on canvasesunder the guidance of professional artists. Guests were treated todishes from the national cuisine.

A spectacular concert was also organized in the city center ofKalbajar. The event began with the Azerbaijan National Anthem,followed by a moment of silence to honor the memory of the martyrs.A video dedicated to Kalbajar was then shown as part of theevent.

Bashir Hajiyev, the Special Representative of the AzerbaijaniPresident in Kalbajar district, congratulated all theparticipants:

"Today, the formal celebration of Kalbajar City Day for thefirst time is an important event and demonstrates that the districtis entering a new phase. It is a proud sight for all of us towitness the revival of culture, tourism, education, and public lifein Kalbajar."

The Special Representative noted that, by the decree signed byPresident Ilham Aliyev on July 31, 2023, titled "On theEstablishment of City Days in the Republic of Azerbaijan’sLiberated Territories," November 25 was declared Kalbajar CityDay.

The establishment of Kalbajar City Day is a clear example of thePresident's attention and care for the people of Kalbajar.

Bashir Hajiyev said that large-scale reconstruction andrestoration work is underway in Kalbajar, as in other liberatedterritories. Since August 20 of this year, the return of displacedpersons to Kalbajar city has begun. In a significant event of theGreat Return process, President Ilham Aliyev and First LadyMehriban Aliyeva met with the residents who moved back to Kalbajarand presented them with the keys to their new homes.

The President's Special Representative emphasized that thelarge-scale construction work in the region indicates the brightfuture of the mountainous region and the successful prospects ofthe Great Return to the liberated territories.

Afterwards, a concert program was presented in honor of KalbajarCity Day. The gala concert featured performances by artists, withmusic pieces reflecting love for the homeland, the unique beauty ofKalbajar, and victorious, determined musical numbers.

There were also performances by dancers. A bonfire was also litin the Kalbajar mountains, symbolizing our historical victory. Theevent concluded with a fireworks display in the city center.

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Photo Credits: Azerbaijan Culture Ministry

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• Kalbajar City Day