PORTFOLİO
Layihələr
Lachin project
On September 21, 2022, the Commander-in-Chief of the victorious Azerbaijani Army raised the national flag in the central square of Lachin city. From that day onward, the countdown began for the rapid reconstruction and urgent resettlement of Lachin, a location of exceptional strategic importance.
The real picture of the area, however, was the following: during the Soviet era, the Hakari River - considered the de facto border - narrowed at certain points where Azerbaijani soldiers stood face-to-face with Armenian armed forces at a distance of merely 5–6 meters. In Khankendi, Aghdara and other territories, separatists still had not accepted defeat; sabotage operations were carried out almost daily, and landmine threats existed at every step. One of the two roads leading to Lachin was completely destroyed, while the “Shusha Road” was under the control of Russian “peacekeepers” and opened only for limited hours. Ahead lay the ruins of Lachin city, once built at the foothills of the mountains...
Within just a few months, under extraordinary circumstances, the rebirth of the city through the labour and remarkable spirit of seven thousand people dealt a devastating blow to the morale of the occupier who continued plotting mischief. Rising visibly day by day, Lachin was being rebuilt heroically, worthy of the sacrifice of the martyrs of the Patriotic War. Reconstructing all communication lines from zero, restoring houses built on rocky terrain, ensuring comfortable living conditions for residents returning to their homeland, and ultimately turning Lachin into one of the most beautiful cities of Azerbaijan was the “combat mission” assigned to Baku Maintenance Service .
On May 28, 2023 - the 105th anniversary of the establishment of the first democratic republic in the East, the independent Azerbaijan Democratic Republic - the President personally handed over the keys to the first residents of Lachin.
By that historic day, major infrastructure projects in Lachin had already been completed: communication systems, utilities, and other networks had been renewed. At nightfall, the bright lights of Lachin spread across the surrounding mountains, dazzling the eyes from afar. Construction was carried out using modern technologies and the highest-quality building materials. In place of the old houses reminiscent of ancient amphitheaters due to Lachin’s terrain, new structures with solar panels on the roofs and individualized architectural designs were rising. Panoramic terraces built at the highest points of the city opened breathtaking views of beautiful Lachin.
Transforming the devastated environment of the city - whose forests had been burned, greenery destroyed, and land turned barren - into an ecologically healthy habitat was considered a top priority. To this end, experts studied soil composition and characteristics, and along with local species, special-order trees from Türkiye and Italy were planted throughout the city. Lachin was adorned with rare decorative plants and vibrant flowers.
The banks of the Hakari River - one of Azerbaijan’s abundant waterways - were designed as a boulevard. A floating bridge connected the right and left banks; a children’s play area, nearby restaurants, and well-designed “tiny houses” turned the riverbank into the best destination for major celebrations, and a pleasant recreation area for both residents and tourists. Since August 26, 2023, when the first “City Day” was celebrated, the wide coverage of Lachin in local and international media became a symbol of the successful realization of all planned reconstruction goals. The awe and joy reflected in the eyes of Lachin residents returning to their homeland with bittersweet memories became the greatest reward for the seven thousand hardworking and selfless people who worked day and night, undeterred by hardships and dangers.
At the core of Lachin’s reconstruction lay a clearly defined concept - establishing a network of vocational schools to promote craftsmanship and turning Lachin into a modern digital audiovisual arts center in Karabakh. The monumental works of Master Reza Deghati adorning the ancient walls of the city served as the first expression of this idea. Deghati, who once documented the rare chronicle of the Karabakh war and conveyed Azerbaijan’s rightful voice to the world, focused in liberated Lachin on the smiling faces and bright eyes of children innocent images sending a message of peace to the future and adding profound meaning to the city’s artistic design.
The “Hochazfilm” film pavilion unparalleled in Azerbaijan, the “Qasımushaghı” workshop dedicated to reviving carpet-weaving traditions, and the “Gilabi Ceramics” creative center showcasing the refined handicrafts of local artisans are evolving daily, introducing the rich culture of a historical region once known in ancient chronicles as “Abdallar.”
Animal husbandry has always held a primary place in the economy of Lachin district, which grew and expanded for centuries in the embrace of towering mountains. To restore the region’s natural potential — revive the fertile lands irrigated by the pure waters of the Hakari River and mountain springs — enterprises established by Baku Abadlıq Xidməti today provide employment for hundreds of residents who have returned to Lachin. The President’s personal participation in the opening of the first private Agro-Industrial Park in Karabakh - “Aydınoghlu Furniture,” “LATIFA” sewing factory, and “Pirshagi” shoe factory - is evidence of the great value the state places on each step taken toward employment.
Various training programs continue in these advanced facilities equipped with cutting-edge technologies to enhance vocational skills. Although challenges remain regarding the realization of new projects, Lachin’s emerging brands are already gaining recognition. The golden trout raised in the crystal-clear waters of "Hakari Baliqchiliq", the naturally grown vegetables cultivated in greenhouses using the inherent fertility of the land, and the “Can Lachin” medicinal herbs gathered from pristine mountain pastures are now known throughout Azerbaijan. At the “Weekly Market” opened on “City Day” this year, eco-friendly products of enterprises under Baku Maintenance Service were showcased alongside high-quality meat, dairy, and honey products of private farms.
This revival, adding a refreshing vibrancy to the unparalleled beauty of the city, is the main reason behind the growing interest in Lachin. It is no coincidence that the restored “Lacinema” cinema - reopened on the site of the old club - and the “Yurd” gallery on the city’s central street, designed as a meeting place for local artisans, have become key venues for international-level events, including presentations, premieres, and exhibitions.
All staff working in the small hotels and restaurants hosting visitors in Lachin are hospitable locals. The women of the “Nakhishli” sewing house produce embroidered tablecloths, scarves, and bags featuring regional ornaments, while the masters of “Gilabi” create ceramic souvenirs decorated with depictions of ancient monuments - offering a continuously updated collection of keepsakes for those who wish to take a memory of Lachin with them.