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Ilham Aliyev

President

Assumed Office: 10/31/2003

Timeline

1993

Heydar Aliyev became the third president of the Republic of Azerbaijan.

2003

Heydar Aliyev held the presidency until October 31; Ilham Aliyev won the presidential election and became the fourth president.

2008

Ilham Aliyev won the presidential election.

2013

Ilham Aliyev won the presidential election.

2017

Ilham Aliyev appointed his wife, Mehriban Aliyeva, as the first Vice President of Azerbaijan.

2018

Ilham Aliyev won the presidential election.

2024

Ilham Aliyev won the presidential election.

Biography

Ilham Aliyev is the current President of Azerbaijan, having succeeded his father, Heydar Aliyev, in 2003. He has remained in power since then, winning presidential elections in 2003, 2008, 2013, 2018, and 2024. His leadership continues the Aliyev family's dominant role in Azerbaijani politics, a system some observers describe as dynastic. In 2017, he appointed his wife, Mehriban Aliyeva, as the first Vice President. The Aliyev family has faced numerous allegations of corruption and illicit enrichment, including through offshore companies and state-run businesses, as highlighted by the Pandora Papers and investigations by organizations like OCCRP.

Early Life & Background

Ilham Aliyev is the son of Heydar Aliyev, who served as First Secretary of Soviet Azerbaijan and later as President of independent Azerbaijan from 1993 to 2003. The Aliyev family, originating from the village of Comardlı (modern-day Tanahat in Armenia), rose to prominence under Heydar Aliyev, establishing a dominant political presence in Azerbaijan. This family background positioned Ilham Aliyev to succeed his father, continuing a long-standing political dynasty.

Education

Unavailable

Political & Professional Career

Ilham Aliyev served as Prime Minister before succeeding his father, Heydar Aliyev, as President of Azerbaijan. He won the presidential election in 2003 and has since been re-elected in 2008, 2013, 2018, and 2024, becoming the fourth president of Azerbaijan. His tenure has seen the Aliyev family maintain a dominant role in the country's political life. In February 2017, he appointed his wife, Mehriban Aliyeva, as the first Vice President of Azerbaijan.

Key Achievements & Legacy

Succeeded his father, Heydar Aliyev, as President of Azerbaijan in 2003., Won presidential elections in 2003, 2008, 2013, 2018, and 2024., Appointed his wife, Mehriban Aliyeva, as the first Vice President of Azerbaijan in 2017.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Ilham Aliyev?
Ilham Aliyev is the current President of Azerbaijan, having been in power since 2003.
When did Ilham Aliyev become President of Azerbaijan?
Ilham Aliyev became President of Azerbaijan in 2003, succeeding his father, Heydar Aliyev.
Who was Ilham Aliyev's predecessor?
Ilham Aliyev's predecessor was his father, Heydar Aliyev, who served as President from 1993 to 2003.
What is the role of the Aliyev family in Azerbaijan?
The Aliyev family has played a dominant role in the political life of Azerbaijan in the post-Soviet period, with power effectively concentrated within the family.
Who is Mehriban Aliyeva?
Mehriban Aliyeva is Ilham Aliyev's wife, whom he appointed as the first Vice President of Azerbaijan in 2017.
What are some of the allegations against the Aliyev family?
The Aliyev family has faced allegations of enriching themselves through ties to state-run businesses, owning significant parts of major banks, construction, and telecommunications firms, and hiding wealth in offshore companies, as revealed by the Pandora Papers. Ilham Aliyev was also named 'person of the year in organized crime and corruption' by OCCRP in 2012.
How many presidential elections has Ilham Aliyev won?
Ilham Aliyev has won five presidential elections: in 2003, 2008, 2013, 2018, and 2024.