Aghdam and Hiroshima: Twin Tales of Destruction and Rebirth

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“Aghdam – Hiroshima: Revival for Peace” is a film depicting the parallel stories of two cities ravaged by tragic events: Aghdam, a town destroyed with unprecedented brutality by the occupying forces of Armenia, and Hiroshima, which suffered the devastating atomic bombing.

The film explores themes of resilience, rebuilding, and the pursuit of peace through the lives of survivors and their communities, highlighting their efforts to overcome tragedy and foster reconciliation.

Hiroshima: Rising from Atomic Ashes

On August 6, 1945, Hiroshima was decimated by a single atomic bomb. Four years later, the Peace Memorial City Construction Law was enacted, which catalysed the city’s transformation from ruins into a thriving metropolis. The law instilled courage and hope among the residents, propelling the reconstruction efforts that have since made Hiroshima a symbol of peace and resilience.

Today, Hiroshima is a bustling city of over a million inhabitants, with the Peace Memorial Park at its heart. This park, intersected by a four-kilometre Peace Boulevard, attracts millions of tourists annually who come to witness the city’s rebirth.

The Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum preserves the memory of the atomic bombing, displaying photographs, artifacts, and survivor testimonies, including the haunting shadow of a person imprinted on the steps of the Sumitomo Bank.

The city’s resurgence was largely driven by the Hiroshima Peace Memorial City Construction Law, which made it a national project. The law aimed to rebuild Hiroshima not just as a city but as a symbol of a sincere desire for lasting peace.

Aghdam: From Occupation to Liberation

Aghdam, once a major industrial centre in the Karabakh region with a population of about 40,000, faced a different yet equally devastating fate. Occupied by Armenian forces in 1993, the city was systematically destroyed and looted over 28 years. By the time it was liberated on November 20, 2020, following a trilateral statement after the 44-day Patriotic War, Aghdam was a vast expanse of ruins.

Unlike Hiroshima, Aghdam’s destruction was not the result of a single catastrophic event but a prolonged period of deliberate devastation. Buildings were plundered, and what remained was salvaged and sold. Despite this, the spirit of Aghdam’s residents remained unbroken.

In his address on November 20, 2020, Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev heralded a new era for Aghdam. He emphasised the reconstruction and the return of displaced citizens to their native lands. On May 28, 2021, the Independence Day of Azerbaijan, President Aliyev presented the general plan for Aghdam’s reconstruction, marking the first general plan for the liberated territories.

The reconstruction of Aghdam is a monumental task. The city is being rebuilt from scratch, with almost all buildings, infrastructure, and historical and cultural monuments destroyed.

Yet, the vision for Aghdam is clear. By 2027, it is planned to resettle 42,000 people in the city and nearby villages. The first residential complexes, along with essential infrastructure such as roads, electricity, and gas supply, are under construction.

Building on Hiroshima’s Legacy

Drawing inspiration from Hiroshima, Aghdam is integrating its history into the fabric of its reconstruction. Plans include the establishment of Victory Park and an open-air Occupation Museum to preserve the city’s historical centre and remember its past. The reconstruction also involves restoring the Aghdam Juma Mosque, which survived the occupation relatively intact because it was used by the occupiers for military purposes.

Azerbaijan’s ambitious plans for Aghdam also involve transforming the region into a hub for transport and logistics. The city, once an industrial and transportation centre, is set to regain its prominence. The construction of a new railway line and highways are underway, echoing the efforts that once linked Hiroshima to the rest of Japan.

International Cooperation and Future Prospects

International support plays a crucial role in Aghdam’s reconstruction. Countries and companies from Europe, Asia, and North America are actively involved. Japan, in particular, has extended support, drawing on its own experience with Hiroshima. Japanese contributions include landscape projects and the donation of cherry blossom trees, symbolising hope and renewal.

The reconstruction of Aghdam is not merely a national endeavour but a symbol of peace and cooperation in the South Caucasus region. The city’s membership in the international organisation of Mayors for Peace underscores this commitment. There is potential for developing friendly relations and cooperation between Aghdam and Hiroshima, fostering a shared vision of a future free from the shadows of their tragic pasts.

Hiroshima and Aghdam stand as testaments to human resilience and the transformative power of reconstruction. From the ashes of destruction, both cities are rising anew, embodying hope, renewal, and a commitment to peace.

As Aghdam rebuilds, it draws on the legacy of Hiroshima, looking forward to a future where it, too, becomes a symbol of rebirth and lasting peace in the Caucasus region.

Read also:

Karabakh Now Fully Under Azerbaijani Control as Russian Troops Withdraw

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