Azerbaijan, a country rich in history and culture, has seen several leaders since gaining independence from the Soviet Union in 1991.
This post provides a detailed list of the presidents who have led Azerbaijan, arranged in order, along with insights into the first president, the current president, and the current vice president.
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Table of Presidents of Azerbaijan
| No. | Name | Years of Tenure |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ayaz Mutallibov | 1991 - 1992 |
| 2 | Abulfaz Elchibey | 1992 - 1993 |
| 3 | Heydar Aliyev | 1993 - 2003 |
| 4 | Ilham Aliyev | 2003 - Present |
The First President: Ayaz Mutallibov
Ayaz Mutallibov was born in 1938 in Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan. He began his career in the Soviet political system, eventually rising to become the head of the Azerbaijan SSR. Below are major postions he held durind his time.
- Minister of Light Industry of the Azerbaijan SSR.
- Chairman of the State Planning Committee of the Azerbaijan SSR.
- First Secretary of the Communist Party of Azerbaijan.
Notable Achievements:
- Independence: Mutallibov was the leader when Azerbaijan declared independence from the Soviet Union in 1991.
- Diplomatic Relations: He played a role in establishing Azerbaijan’s initial diplomatic relations with other countries.
Downsides:
- Conflict with Armenia: His tenure was marked by the escalation of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, which led to significant instability.
- Political Unrest: His inability to manage the internal unrest led to his eventual resignation and a short-lived return to power before being ousted again.
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The Current President: Ilham Aliyev
Ilham Aliyev was born in 1961 in Baku, Azerbaijan. He is the son of Heydar Aliyev, the former president, and a prominent figure in Azerbaijan’s political history. Below are some notable positions he held before becoming president.
- Vice-President of the State Oil Company of Azerbaijan Republic (SOCAR).
- Prime Minister of Azerbaijan.
- Head of Azerbaijan’s delegation to the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe.
Notable Achievements:
- Economic Growth: Under Ilham Aliyev’s leadership, Azerbaijan has seen significant economic growth, particularly through the development of its oil and gas sectors.
- Infrastructure Development: His government has invested heavily in infrastructure projects, including new roads, airports, and public facilities.
- Nagorno-Karabakh Conflict: In 2020, Aliyev led Azerbaijan during the Second Nagorno-Karabakh War, resulting in Azerbaijan regaining control over several territories.
Downsides:
- Authoritarianism: His presidency has been criticized for authoritarian practices, including limitations on press freedom, political opposition, and human rights.
- Corruption Allegations: There have been numerous allegations of corruption within his administration, particularly concerning the misuse of oil revenues.
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The Current Vice President: Mehriban Aliyeva
Mehriban Aliyeva, born in 1964 in Baku, is the wife of President Ilham Aliyev. She hails from a prominent family with deep roots in Azerbaijani society. Before becoming the vice president below are some political positions she held.
- President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation.
- UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador.
- Member of the Azerbaijani Parliament (Milli Majlis).
Notable Achievements:
- Cultural Diplomacy: As the First Lady and a UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador, Mehriban Aliyeva has been instrumental in promoting Azerbaijani culture and heritage internationally.
- Humanitarian Efforts: Through the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, she has led numerous social and humanitarian projects aimed at improving healthcare, education, and cultural preservation in Azerbaijan.
- Empowerment of Women: Mehriban has been a vocal advocate for women’s rights and empowerment in Azerbaijan, leading various initiatives to improve the status of women in society.
Downsides:
- Perceived Nepotism: Her appointment as Vice President has been viewed by some as an example of nepotism, given her marriage to the President.
- Limited Political Experience: Critics argue that her political experience was limited prior to her appointment, raising concerns about the concentration of power within the Aliyev family.
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Conclusion
Azerbaijan’s political landscape has been shaped by its leaders, each bringing their unique strengths and challenges. From the struggles of the early 1990s under Ayaz Mutallibov to the economic and territorial gains under Ilham Aliyev, the country has seen significant transformation.
However, issues of governance, human rights, and political freedom remain pressing concerns, reflecting the complexities of leadership in Azerbaijan.