The State Committee for Affairs of Refugees and IDPs of the Republic of Azerbaijan, in cooperation with the Azerbaijan Photographers Union, announces a photo contest titled “5th Year of Victory – Steps Towards the Great Return.”

The purpose of the contest is to visually present the large-scale reconstruction and restoration efforts carried out in the liberated territories of Azerbaijan following the historic victory in the 44-day Patriotic War of 2020, which further expanded after the successful one-day local anti-terror operation in 2023. The main goal of the contest is to highlight the progress made in these territories in terms of social and economic development, the initial stages of the Great Return process, and the revival of the region’s cultural, historical, and natural heritage through the following themes:

The submitted photographs will serve as both historical records and visual documents for future generations. This initiative also aims to spread positive messages about the Karabakh and East Zangezur regions and demonstrate their promising future.

Contest Rules:

• Contest period: April 29, 2025 – May 29, 2025
• Format: Photos must be submitted in JPEG (JPG) format with a minimum long side of 1500 pixels.
• Submissions: Each participant may submit up to 10 photos. A maximum of 2 photos from any one participant may be selected as winners.
• Photo file naming: Each file must include the author’s full name and the photo title.
• No watermark or logo: It is prohibited to place any watermark, logo, or signature on the images.
• Editing restrictions: No additional alterations using photo editing software are allowed (only basic adjustments such as color balance, contrast, etc. are permitted).
• Original files: Winners will be required to submit the original versions of the selected photos.
• Equipment: Photos may be taken with a camera, smartphone, or drone.

To participate, individuals must submit their photos to musabiqe@idp.gov.az with the subject line “STEPS TOWARDS THE GREAT RETURN,” including their full name, father’s name, city of residence, and contact number.

Entries will be evaluated by a jury composed of representatives of the organizing institutions and experts in the field. The results will be published on the official websites of the State Committee and the Azerbaijan Photographers Union.

Photo Categories:

• History and Culture – The rich historical and cultural heritage of Karabakh and East Zangezur, including ancient monuments, folk craftsmanship, and traditional values.
• Agriculture and Employment – Development of agriculture in the region, farming, livestock, and employment of the rural population.
• Children, Youth, and New Residents in Settled Areas – Photos depicting the resettlement process, daily life of locals, and life in newly established or rebuilt settlements.
• Nature and Ecosystem – The natural beauty and biodiversity of Karabakh and East Zangezur—forests, mountains, rivers, and other elements of the ecosystem.
• Return to Homeland – Images reflecting the resettlement process and the return of people to their native lands.
• Destroyed Sites, Reconstructed and Rebuilt Areas – Photos showing the transformation of devastated areas through reconstruction and rebuilding efforts.

Eligibility:

Anyone can participate in the contest regardless of age, education, or profession (members of the jury are excluded).

Awards:

• 1st Place: 1000 AZN
• 2nd Place: 500 AZN
• 3rd Place: 300 AZN
• Authors of the top 20 photos selected for the exhibition will receive 100 AZN each.
• All participants will be awarded with a Certificate of Participation.
• Winning entries will become the property of the organizers but will not be used for commercial purposes.

Note: A photo exhibition featuring 44 selected works chosen by the jury will be organized.

Contact Persons:

• Famil Hazili: +994 55 900 12 99
• Isa Ismayilov: +994 55 900 12 98