Khojaly

Khojaly (Azerbaijani: Xocalı) is a city in Azerbaijan's Xocalı district, located in the mountainous Nagorno-Karabakh region at an elevation of approximately 800 metres. The city sits on a plateau between the Karabakh highlands and the lowlands, at the intersection of roads connecting Shusha, Khankendi (Stepanakert), and Aghdam. Khojaly is perhaps most widely known internationally for the tragic events of February 1992, when the town was the site of a massacre during the First Nagorno-Karabakh War, resulting in the deaths of hundreds of Azerbaijani civilians.

The city was under Armenian control from 1992 until 2020, when Azerbaijan regained control of the district following the Second Nagorno-Karabakh War. Since then, the area has been undergoing reconstruction and demining efforts. The Xocalı district is named after the city and covers a relatively small area of the Karabakh region, with a landscape of rolling hills, sparse forests, and agricultural land.

Climate is continental with warm, dry summers (25–30°C) and cold winters with temperatures occasionally dropping below freezing. The best time to visit is from late spring through early autumn (May–October), when weather conditions are pleasant for outdoor activities. Visitors should check current security and accessibility conditions before planning a trip, as post-conflict reconstruction and demining operations may affect travel in the area.

By Plane

The nearest major airport is Baku Heydar Aliyev International Airport (GYD), approximately 350 km to the east. From Baku, overland travel is the primary route to Khojaly.

By Car / Road

Khojaly is accessible by road from several Azerbaijani cities. From Baku, the drive takes approximately 5–6 hours via the highway through Yevlakh and onward into the Karabakh region. From Shusha, Khojaly is approximately 25 km to the north. From Aghdam, the city is roughly 20 km to the southwest. Road conditions in the area may vary, with main highways generally passable and secondary roads potentially rougher. Bus and minibus services from major towns may be limited; a private vehicle with a local driver is the most practical option.

Khojaly is a small city and the central area can be explored on foot. The city's layout follows the plateau terrain with a grid of streets in the central district. For exploring the wider Xocalı district — including surrounding villages, memorial sites, and the countryside — a private vehicle is recommended. Local transport options within the city are limited.

• Khojaly Memorial Complex — the central memorial site commemorating the victims of the February 1992 massacre, a significant site of memory for the Azerbaijani people and a place of reflection for visitors

• Khojaly City Centre — the rebuilt central area with government buildings, parks, and public spaces reflecting the ongoing reconstruction of the city

• Surrounding Karabakh highland landscapes — the hills and valleys around Khojaly offer scenic views of the Lesser Caucasus terrain, with rolling grasslands and scattered woodland

• Historical settlement sites — archaeological evidence suggests the area around Khojaly has been settled for centuries, with historical ruins and artifacts from various periods of habitation

• Visit memorial and historical sites — Khojaly's primary significance for visitors lies in its historical and memorial importance, offering opportunities to learn about the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict and its human impact

• Highland walks — the surrounding terrain offers moderate hiking through the Karabakh highlands with panoramic views

• Cultural exchange — engage with local communities who are returning to and rebuilding the city, learning about Azerbaijani Karabakh culture and traditions

• Photography — the combination of reconstruction, memorial sites, and highland landscapes provides meaningful photography opportunities

Food options in Khojaly reflect the traditional Azerbaijani cuisine of the Karabakh region. Local eateries serve staples including plov (rice pilaf with lamb and dried fruits), kebabs, qutab (thin flatbread stuffed with herbs or meat), dovga (yogurt and herb soup), and fresh lavash bread. The region is known for its lamb dishes and herb-rich cooking. Tea and bread accompany every meal. Vegetarian options include herb-based soups, salads, and cheese-filled qutab. Dining options may be limited as the city continues to rebuild; visitors should not expect the restaurant variety found in larger Azerbaijani cities.

Tea (çay) is the universal social drink and is offered at every establishment and home visit in Khojaly. Herbal teas made from locally grown thyme and mountain herbs are traditional in the Karabakh highlands. Azerbaijan is a predominantly Muslim country, and while alcohol is available in many parts of the country, options in Khojaly may be limited. Carry bottled water for excursions into the surrounding hills, as tap water quality may vary.

Accommodation options in Khojaly itself are very limited as the city continues post-conflict reconstruction. Most visitors will need to stay in nearby larger towns.

For accommodation, the cities of Shusha (~25 km south) or Khankendi (~15 km south) offer more established options across all tiers.

Khojaly's commercial infrastructure is rebuilding along with the rest of the city. Basic necessities are available at local shops in the city centre. Traditional products of the Karabakh region include honey, dried fruits, and nuts, which may be available from local producers as agricultural activity resumes. For a wider selection of goods, the larger nearby cities of Khankendi or Aghdam offer more extensive market options.

• Shusha (~25 km south) — the historic cultural capital of the Karabakh region, with numerous monuments, mosques, and churches, many under active restoration
• Khankendi (Stepanakert) (~15 km south) — the main city of the former Nagorno-Karabakh region, undergoing reconstruction with emerging services and infrastructure
• Aghdam (~20 km northeast) — known as the "ghost city" of the Karabakh conflict, now undergoing reconstruction with the notable Aghdam Mosque undergoing restoration
• Askeran (~15 km east) — a small town with the historic Askeran fortress along the Qarqarchay river
• Barda (~90 km east) — a historic Azerbaijani city with modern amenities and transport connections to Baku