Mehriban Aliyeva

First Lady of Azerbaijan

Mehriban Arif qizi Aliyeva (born 26 August 1964) is the First Lady of Azerbaijan, the wife of President Ilham Aliyev, and the Vice President of Azerbaijan. She is a prominent public figure, known for her work in philanthropy, culture, and politics.

Early Life and Education

Mehriban Aliyeva was born in Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan. She comes from a well-known family with a strong background in science and culture. Her father, Arif Pashayev, is a prominent scientist, and her mother, Aida Imanguliyeva, was a renowned philologist. Mehriban Aliyeva attended the Azerbaijan Medical University, where she graduated with a degree in medicine. She later continued her education in Moscow, specializing in ophthalmology.

Career

Medical Career

After completing her education, Mehriban Aliyeva worked at the Moscow Research Institute of Eye Diseases, where she gained experience in the field of ophthalmology. Her medical background has influenced her later work in health-related philanthropic activities.

Philanthropy

Mehriban Aliyeva at a public event

Mehriban Aliyeva is the founder and head of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, named after her father-in-law, the former President of Azerbaijan, Heydar Aliyev. The foundation is involved in various projects aimed at improving the social welfare of the Azerbaijani people, including initiatives in education, healthcare, and culture.

Cultural Initiatives

Aliyeva has been instrumental in promoting Azerbaijani culture both domestically and internationally. She has supported the restoration of historical monuments and the organization of cultural events. Her efforts have been recognized with numerous awards and honors from various countries.

Political Career

Mehriban Aliyeva at a Security Council meeting

In 2017, Mehriban Aliyeva was appointed as the First Vice President of Azerbaijan, a position that underscores her influence in the political sphere. In this role, she has been involved in various governmental initiatives and has represented Azerbaijan in international forums.

Personal Life

Mehriban Aliyeva is married to Ilham Aliyev, the President of Azerbaijan. They have three children: Leyla, Arzu, and Heydar. The family is known for their involvement in various social and cultural activities.

Honors and Awards

Mehriban Aliyeva has received numerous awards for her contributions to culture, education, and social welfare. These include honors from international organizations and foreign governments, recognizing her efforts to promote peace and cultural understanding.

Related Pages

• Ilham Aliyev
• Heydar Aliyev Foundation
• Azerbaijan

Mehriban Aliyeva at the inauguration ceremony of President Ilham Aliyev

Mehriban Aliyeva meeting with the First Lady of Turkey