Qanlıkənd is a village located in the Kalbajar District of Azerbaijan.
Etymology The name "Qanlıkənd" is derived from the Azerbaijani language. "Qanlı" translates to "bloody" or "blood-filled," and "kənd" means "village." Therefore, the name can be interpreted as "Bloody Village" or "Village of Blood." The etymology often hints at historical events, significant battles, or perhaps the characteristic color of the local soil.
Geography Qanlıkənd is situated within the mountainous terrain of the Kalbajar District, an area known for its rugged landscapes and high elevations in the Lesser Caucasus mountain range. Its geographical location contributes to its strategic significance in the region.
History The history of Qanlıkənd is deeply intertwined with the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. During the First Nagorno-Karabakh War, the village was occupied by Armenian forces on April 3, 1993, as part of the broader occupation of the Kalbajar District. Following its occupation, it was administered by the self-proclaimed Republic of Artsakh as part of its Shahumyan Region. The Azerbaijani population of the village, like that of many other settlements in the occupied territories, was displaced.
A significant turning point occurred after the 2020 Nagorno-Karabakh War. Under the provisions of the trilateral ceasefire agreement signed on November 10, 2020, Qanlıkənd, along with the entire Kalbajar District, was returned to Azerbaijani control. The handover took place on November 25, 2020. This event marked the end of nearly three decades of occupation and initiated the process of assessment and eventual resettlement by the Azerbaijani government.
Demographics Prior to the First Nagorno-Karabakh War and its subsequent occupation in 1993, Qanlıkənd was predominantly inhabited by ethnic Azerbaijanis. The conflict led to the displacement of its entire population. As of the early 2020s, resettlement efforts by the Azerbaijani government were underway, but detailed demographic information on the current population is still emerging.