Xəlfəli (Azerbaijani: Xəlfəli) is a village located in the Shusha District of Azerbaijan. Historically an Azerbaijani settlement, it is situated within the administrative boundaries of the Shusha rayon, a region known for its strategic importance and cultural heritage in the Karabakh region.
History
Prior to the First Nagorno-Karabakh War, Xəlfəli was an Azerbaijani-populated village within the Shusha District. During the conflict, the village, along with most of the Shusha District, came under the control of Armenian forces in May 1992. It was subsequently administered as part of the Hadrut Province of the self-proclaimed Republic of Artsakh, where it was known as Khalfalli (Armenian: Խալֆալլի). Its official Azerbaijani administrative status as part of Shusha District was never internationally recognized as changed.
In the course of the 2020 Nagorno-Karabakh War, the Azerbaijani armed forces launched an offensive to regain control over territories in and around the Nagorno-Karabakh region. Xəlfəli was among the settlements recaptured by Azerbaijan on November 7, 2020, just prior to the signing of the trilateral ceasefire statement that ended the active hostilities. Following its recapture, Xəlfəli was reintegrated into the administrative control of Azerbaijan.
Geography and Administration
Xəlfəli lies within the mountainous terrain of the Lesser Caucasus, characteristic of the Shusha District. The district itself is geographically central to the historical Karabakh region. The village's strategic location contributed to its significance during the periods of conflict. Administratively, it falls under the Shusha District, one of the 66 administrative divisions (rayons) of Azerbaijan.
Etymology
The name "Xəlfəli" is of Turkic origin, common in Azerbaijan. It is believed to be derived from a personal name or a tribal affiliation, with "Xəlfə" (Khalifa) referring to a historical or religious leader, and the suffix "-li" indicating belonging to, or descent from, that person or group.