Mehriban Arif gizi Aliyeva (Azerbaijani: Mehriban Arif qızı Əliyeva) is a distinguished Azerbaijani stateswoman, politician, and public figure. Serving as the First Vice-President of the Republic of Azerbaijan since February 21, 2017, and as the President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, she is one of the most influential women in the Muslim world. Mehriban Aliyeva plays a pivotal role in the country’s social modernization, the preservation of national cultural heritage, and the implementation of the "Great Return" strategy in the liberated territories.
Mehriban Aliyeva was born on August 26, 1964, in Baku into the Pashayev family, a lineage of prominent Azerbaijani intellectuals. In 1982, she graduated from Baku Secondary School No. 23 with a gold medal. She pursued her higher education at the I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical Institute, graduating with honors in 1988.
She began her professional career at the Moscow Research Institute of Eye Diseases but later dedicated herself entirely to socio-political work aimed at the prosperity of Azerbaijan. Mehriban Aliyeva also holds a PhD in Philosophy.
Since its inception in 2004, Mehriban Aliyeva has served as the President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation. Under her leadership, the organization has become the largest NGO in the region, executing global-scale projects:
Education: The "New School for a Renewing Azerbaijan" program has seen the construction and reconstruction of over 500 schools. In the 2025–2026 period, the foundation has focused heavily on STEAM centers, integrating technological innovation into the curriculum.
Healthcare: The construction of the Thalassemia Center in Baku, the establishment of rehabilitation centers for children with Down syndrome, and the "Care for Children with Diabetes" program have saved thousands of lives.
Culture: The restoration of historical monuments (including the catacombs of the Vatican and parts of the Palace of Versailles) and the organization of the Gabala Music Festival have solidified Azerbaijan's status as a hub for intercultural dialogue.
The appointment of Mehriban Aliyeva to the position of First Vice-President in 2017 marked a new chapter in administrative and social reforms. Her portfolio includes social protection, youth policy, and international humanitarian cooperation.
The First Vice-President places a particular emphasis on the issues facing refugees and internally displaced persons (IDPs). Her first official visit in her new capacity was dedicated to assessing the living conditions of families temporarily residing in dormitories, which catalyzed large-scale programs to resettle citizens into modern residential complexes.
In 2024–2026, Mehriban Aliyeva’s activities have been inextricably linked to the reconstruction of the liberated territories (Karabakh and East Zangezur).
On March 18, 2026, the First Vice-President, alongside President Ilham Aliyev, visited the village of Khanoba in the Khojavend district. During the visit, she inspected the progress of restoration works, toured renovated private residences, and met with the first families to return to their ancestral lands. She personally oversees matters related to the preservation of Shusha’s architectural integrity and the implementation of "Smart Village" concepts throughout the region.
Until November 2022, Mehriban Aliyeva served as a UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador (stepping down to focus exclusively on the reconstruction of Karabakh) and remains an ICESCO Goodwill Ambassador. Her work has been honored with the highest awards from numerous countries:
The "Heydar Aliyev" Order (Azerbaijan).
The Officer’s Cross of the Legion of Honor (France).
The Knight Grand Cross of the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic.
Currently, Mehriban Aliyeva continues to inspire millions with her calls for compassion and unity. In her 2026 New Year address, she emphasized the importance of the "energy of love and kindness" as the foundation for societal development.
Under her patronage, registration for the traditional "Baku Marathon" launched in early 2026. This year, for the first time, the marathon will feature a classic 42 km distance, symbolizing the nation's sporting spirit and its will to achieve new victories.
Mehriban Aliyeva is not only a political leader but also a symbol of mercy and national dignity for Azerbaijan. her multifaceted activities ensure a balance between progressive reforms and the preservation of the people's spiritual roots.
Baku 16° C
