Mehriban Aliyeva

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Mehriban Aliyeva is a prominent figure in Azerbaijan, serving as the country’s First Vice President since 2017 and First Lady since 2003. A physician by training, she has significantly influenced Azerbaijan’s cultural, social, and political landscape through her leadership in various organizations and initiatives. This article explores her biography, career, and contributions, shedding light on her multifaceted role in shaping modern Azerbaijan.

Early Life and Education

Born on August 26, 1964, in Baku, Mehriban Arif gizi Aliyeva (née Pashayeva) grew up in a distinguished family of intellectuals. Her grandfather, Mir Jalal Pashayev, was a noted writer, while her mother, Aida Imanguliyeva, was a pioneering philologist and Arabist. Her father, Arif Pashayev, serves as rector of the National Aviation Academy in Baku. Mehriban excelled academically, graduating with a gold medal from Secondary School No. 23 in Baku in 1981. She pursued medical studies at the Azerbaijan State Medical University and later at the Sechenov First Moscow State Medical Institute, graduating with honors in 1988. From 1988 to 1992, she worked at the State Research Institute of Eye Diseases in Moscow, specializing in ophthalmology. In 2005, she earned a PhD in philosophy, with a thesis on euthanasia and humanism in medicine.

Marriage and Family

In 1983, Mehriban married Ilham Aliyev, who would later become Azerbaijan’s president. The couple has three children: daughters Leyla and Arzu, and son Heydar. The Aliyev family is deeply engaged in Azerbaijan’s cultural and social spheres, with Mehriban playing a central role in charitable and educational initiatives. Her daughters have also been involved in business and cultural projects, while her son is named after his grandfather, former President Heydar Aliyev.

Political Career and Leadership

Mehriban Aliyeva’s political career began to take shape in the early 2000s. In 2005, she was elected to the Milli Majlis (National Assembly) as a member of the New Azerbaijan Party, securing over 90% of the vote in her constituency. She was re-elected in 2010 and 2015, advocating for social and economic issues, including amnesty acts that led to the release of thousands of prisoners on Republic Day. In 2013, she became deputy chair of the New Azerbaijan Party, and in 2021, she was appointed First Deputy Chairman.

In February 2017, President Ilham Aliyev appointed her First Vice President, a position created through a 2016 constitutional referendum. This role positioned her as a potential successor to the presidency, sparking discussions about the consolidation of political power within the Aliyev family. Her appointment coincided with increased scrutiny of Azerbaijan’s political landscape, with critics noting restrictions on opposition and media. Nonetheless, Mehriban has emphasized Azerbaijan’s commitment to tolerance and development.

Cultural and Philanthropic Contributions

Mehriban Aliyeva has made significant contributions to Azerbaijan’s cultural and social sectors. In 1995, she founded the Azerbaijani Culture Friends Foundation, and in 1996, she launched the “Azerbaijan – Heritage” magazine, published in Azerbaijani, English, and Russian to promote national culture. Since 2004, she has led the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, which focuses on education, healthcare, and cultural preservation. The foundation has supported the restoration of historical sites, construction of schools and hospitals, and promotion of Azerbaijani mugham music globally.

As president of the Azerbaijan Gymnastics Federation since 2002, she has elevated the sport’s profile, leading to Baku hosting the 2005 World Rhythmic Gymnastics Championships. Her leadership also contributed to Azerbaijan’s successful organization of the 2015 European Games. From 2004 to 2022, she served as a UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador, promoting cultural heritage and education, and in 2006, she was named an ISESCO Goodwill Ambassador for her humanitarian work.

Social Initiatives and International Presence

Mehriban Aliyeva has championed social programs, particularly for martyrs’ families, war veterans, and children with special needs. Her initiatives include modernizing healthcare facilities, supporting ecological campaigns, and restoring religious sites to promote tolerance. Internationally, she has represented Azerbaijan at events like the COP29 conference in 2024, advocating for youth involvement in climate action and fair global cooperation.

Her work has earned her numerous accolades, including the Heydar Aliyev Order for contributions to culture, education, and healthcare, and international honors such as Russia’s Ruby Cross for philanthropy. However, her family’s business interests, including ownership in sectors like banking and construction, have faced scrutiny for alleged connections to state contracts.

Conclusion

Mehriban Aliyeva stands as a central figure in Azerbaijan’s modern development, blending roles as a political leader, philanthropist, and cultural ambassador. Her efforts in education, healthcare, and cultural preservation, alongside her political influence, have left a lasting impact. While her contributions are widely celebrated, her prominence also sparks debates about power dynamics in Azerbaijan. As First Vice President and First Lady, she continues to shape the nation’s trajectory with a focus on progress and unity.