Ilham Aliyeva, also known as Mehriban Aliyeva, is a prominent figure in Azerbaijani politics and society. As the First Vice President of Azerbaijan and the wife of President Ilham Aliyev, she has played a significant role in shaping the country's development and international relations. Here are five key facts about Ilham Aliyeva:
Key Points
- Ilham Aliyeva is the First Vice President of Azerbaijan, a position she has held since 2017.
- She is the founder of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, a non-profit organization focused on education, healthcare, and cultural development.
- Ilham Aliyeva has been a strong advocate for women's rights and empowerment in Azerbaijan.
- She has played a key role in promoting Azerbaijan's cultural heritage and historical legacy, both domestically and internationally.
- Ilham Aliyeva has received numerous awards and honors for her contributions to education, healthcare, and cultural development, including the UNESCO Mozart Medal.
Early Life and Education

Ilham Aliyeva was born on July 23, 1964, in Baku, Azerbaijan. She comes from a family with a strong background in politics and education. Her father, Arif Pashayev, was a prominent Azerbaijani academic and educator. Ilham Aliyeva’s educational background is impressive, with a degree in philosophy from Moscow State University and a PhD in philosophy from the same institution.
Political Career
Ilham Aliyeva’s entry into politics was marked by her appointment as the First Lady of Azerbaijan in 2003, following her husband’s election as President. She quickly became involved in various social and cultural initiatives, focusing on education, healthcare, and women’s empowerment. In 2017, she was appointed as the First Vice President of Azerbaijan, becoming the first female to hold this position in the country’s history.
Year | Position |
---|---|
2003 | First Lady of Azerbaijan |
2017 | First Vice President of Azerbaijan |

Philanthropic Work

Ilham Aliyeva is the founder of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, a non-profit organization established in 2004. The foundation focuses on various initiatives, including education, healthcare, and cultural development. Under her leadership, the foundation has implemented numerous projects, both domestically and internationally, aimed at promoting Azerbaijan’s cultural heritage and providing support to vulnerable populations.
Cultural Development
Ilham Aliyeva has been a strong advocate for the preservation and promotion of Azerbaijan’s cultural heritage. She has supported various initiatives, including the restoration of historical monuments, the development of cultural institutions, and the promotion of Azerbaijani arts and literature. Her efforts have contributed to the international recognition of Azerbaijan’s rich cultural legacy.
What is Ilham Aliyeva's role in promoting women's rights in Azerbaijan?
+Ilham Aliyeva has been a strong advocate for women's rights and empowerment in Azerbaijan, supporting various initiatives aimed at promoting gender equality and providing opportunities for women's education and economic participation.
What are some of Ilham Aliyeva's notable achievements in the field of education?
+Ilham Aliyeva has supported various education initiatives, including the development of schools and universities, the promotion of vocational training, and the implementation of programs aimed at improving education quality and accessibility.
How has Ilham Aliyeva contributed to the development of Azerbaijan's cultural heritage?
+Ilham Aliyeva has played a key role in promoting Azerbaijan's cultural heritage, supporting initiatives aimed at preserving historical monuments, developing cultural institutions, and promoting Azerbaijani arts and literature.
Ilham Aliyeva’s contributions to Azerbaijani society and politics have been recognized internationally, with numerous awards and honors bestowed upon her. Her commitment to education, healthcare, and cultural development has had a lasting impact on the country, and her legacy continues to inspire future generations of leaders and change-makers.