The “Great Return” to Liberated Territories: Exploring the Prospects and Challenges of Urban-rural Migration
Date Issued
2023-05-20
Author(s)
Aliyeva, Fidan
Eyvazli, Kanan
Bayalizada, Nuhbaba
Abstract
The liberation of Karabakh after 30 years has created opportunities to relocate the
Azerbaijani IDPs back to their hometowns. Therefore, the government of Azerbaijan has
established the “Great Return’’ program in terms of restoring infrastructure and
improving the living conditions of the Azerbaijani IDPs in the liberated territories. Thus,
this capstone project aims to analyze the possible strategy challenges of urban-rural
migration in the “Great Return” program. To identify the willingness of the Azerbaijani
IDPs to resettle in their hometowns, seven semi-structured interviewees from different
regions of the liberated areas were selected. Interview results show that IDPs have access
to various employment options and advanced healthcare services in Baku. Therefore, they
are reluctant to move to the liberated areas. This study focuses on the policy alternative of
developing regions by decentralizing Baku to reduce overpopulation and create
residential, educational, and professional opportunities in the newly liberated territories
of Karabakh. The research recommends that providing education and employment
opportunities to IDPs can make the region more appealing for their relocation.
Additionally, it suggests that clearing landmines and maintaining the peace treaty can
stabilize the economy in the liberated areas and improve relations with neighboring
regions.
Azerbaijani IDPs back to their hometowns. Therefore, the government of Azerbaijan has
established the “Great Return’’ program in terms of restoring infrastructure and
improving the living conditions of the Azerbaijani IDPs in the liberated territories. Thus,
this capstone project aims to analyze the possible strategy challenges of urban-rural
migration in the “Great Return” program. To identify the willingness of the Azerbaijani
IDPs to resettle in their hometowns, seven semi-structured interviewees from different
regions of the liberated areas were selected. Interview results show that IDPs have access
to various employment options and advanced healthcare services in Baku. Therefore, they
are reluctant to move to the liberated areas. This study focuses on the policy alternative of
developing regions by decentralizing Baku to reduce overpopulation and create
residential, educational, and professional opportunities in the newly liberated territories
of Karabakh. The research recommends that providing education and employment
opportunities to IDPs can make the region more appealing for their relocation.
Additionally, it suggests that clearing landmines and maintaining the peace treaty can
stabilize the economy in the liberated areas and improve relations with neighboring
regions.