Ilham Aliyev was born on December 24, 1961 in Baku, Azerbaijan. He is the son of former Azerbaijani president Heydar Aliyev who ruled the country from 1993 to 2003. Growing up in a political family, Ilham was exposed to the inner workings of government at an early age.
Before becoming the president of Azerbaijan, Aliyev held various positions in the government. He served as the vice-president of the State Oil Company of Azerbaijan Republic (SOCAR) before eventually taking over the company. During his time at SOCAR, he negotiated oil extraction rights with Western countries, solidifying Azerbaijan's position as a key player in the global oil market.
In 2003, Aliyev succeeded his father as the president of Azerbaijan amidst allegations of nepotism and corruption. His regime has been criticized for its lack of transparency, suppression of dissent, and concentration of resources in the hands of the ruling elite.
One of the most controversial acts of Aliyev's presidency was in 2009 when he pushed through a referendum that removed the term limit on the presidency, allowing him to extend his rule indefinitely. This move was widely condemned by international organizations as a blatant power grab.
Furthermore, Aliyev's administration has been accused of human rights abuses, including the imprisonment of journalists and political opponents. Despite these allegations, Aliyev has managed to maintain a strong grip on power in Azerbaijan.
Aliyev has a daughter named Arzu, who has largely stayed out of the spotlight. His wife, Mehriban Aliyeva, is a prominent figure in Azerbaijani politics and serves as the first vice-president of the country.
Aliyev's legacy is a controversial one, with some praising him for overseeing economic growth and infrastructure development in Azerbaijan, while others criticize him for his autocratic tendencies and alleged human rights violations. His close ties to Russia and strategic position in relation to Iran and Turkey have also played a significant role in shaping regional politics.
Despite facing numerous challenges and criticisms, Ilham Aliyev remains firmly entrenched as the president of Azerbaijan, a position he shows no signs of relinquishing anytime soon.