Lachin

Lachin is a district (rayon) of Azerbaijan located in the western part of the country, bordering Armenia. Its administrative center is the town of Lachin, which is known to Armenians as Berdzor. The district sits along the route that connects Armenia with the Nagorno-Karabakh region, commonly referred to as the Lachin corridor.

Geography and transport

The district is largely mountainous as part of the Lesser Caucasus. The Lachin corridor runs through the area and has long been a strategic link between Armenia and Nagorno-Karabakh, influencing security, trade, and travel in the region. Infrastructure in the district has been affected by the broader conflict over Nagorno-Karabakh, with rebuilding and rehabilitation efforts undertaken at various times.

History

Lachin has been shaped by the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. During the early 1990s, Armenian forces occupied much of the area and it was administered by the de facto Artsakh Republic as Berdzor Province. Following the 2020 Nagorno-Karabakh ceasefire, Azerbaijan regained control over most of Lachin, while the Lachin corridor remained a focal point of international monitoring and security arrangements, including Russian peacekeeping presence to facilitate access between Armenia and Nagorno-Karabakh.

Population and administration

The district forms part of Azerbaijan’s current administrative structure and has experienced demographic shifts due to displacement related to the conflict. Communities in the area have included Azerbaijani and Armenian residents at different periods, with ongoing efforts toward stabilization and reconciliation.

Economy and environment

Economic activity in Lachin includes agriculture, forestry, and livestock, with landscapes noted for their natural beauty. Post-conflict recovery and development projects have aimed to restore infrastructure, services, and livelihoods.

See also: Nagorno-Karabakh, Berdzor, Lachin corridor.