Who Is Ilham Aliyev? Age, Biography and Wiki
Born on December 24, 1961, Ilham Aliyev is currently 63 years old. He has been serving as the President of Azerbaijan since 2003, taking over the role from his father, Heydar Aliyev, who previously held the position. An alumnus of the Moscow State Institute of International Relations, Aliyev has always been an influential figure in Azerbaijani politics. His presidency has marked significant geopolitical developments, not only for Azerbaijan but for the region, struggling through various political and military challenges.
| Occupation | Prime Ministers |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | December 24, 1961 |
| Age | 63 Years |
| Birth Place | Baku, Azerbaijan SSR, Soviet Union |
| Horoscope | Capricorn |
| Country | Azerbaijan |
Popularity
Ilham Aliyev's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Ilham Aliyev stands at approximately 6 feet (183 cm) tall. His weight is reported to be around 176 pounds (80 kg). While his exact body measurements are not widely publicized, he is known for his robust stature, which complements his commanding presence in political circles.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Ilham Aliyev is married to Mehriban Aliyeva, who is not only the First Lady of Azerbaijan but also a noted politician and philanthropist. They have three children together. Throughout his time in office, Aliyev has emphasized family values, often appearing alongside his wife and children at various events, further solidifying his connection to Azerbaijani culture and traditions.
The son and second child of former Azerbaijani president Heydar Aliyev, Aliyev became the country's president on 31 October 2003 after a two-month term as the prime minister of Azerbaijan, through a presidential election defined by irregularities shortly before his father's death.
He was reelected for a second term in 2008 and was allowed to run in elections indefinitely in 2013, 2018 and 2024 due to the 2009 constitutional referendum, which removed term limits for presidents.
Net Worth and Salary
As of 2025, Ilham Aliyev's net worth is estimated at $150 million. His income is derived from various sources, including his salary as president, investments, and family holdings in multiple sectors ranging from energy to telecommunications. As a prominent political leader in the Caucasus region, his financial dealings have frequently attracted media attention, especially regarding state contracts and privatization of enterprises.
Azerbaijan being oil-rich is viewed to have significantly strengthened the stability of Aliyev's regime and enriched ruling elites in Azerbaijan, making it possible for the country to host lavish international events, as well as engage in extensive lobbying efforts.
Aliyev's family have enriched themselves through their ties to state-run businesses. They own significant parts of several major Azerbaijani banks, construction firms and telecommunications firms, and partially own the country's oil and gas industries. Much of the wealth is hidden through an elaborate network of offshore companies.
Aliyev was named Corruption's 'Person of the Year' by Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project in 2012.
In 2017, it was revealed that Aliyev and his family were involved in the Azerbaijani laundromat, a complex money-laundering scheme to pay off prominent European politicians to deflect criticism of Aliyev and promote a positive image of his regime.
Career, Business and Investments
Aliyev’s career has exhibited a blend of diplomatic and strategic initiatives aimed at economic development and stability in Azerbaijan. His administration has focused on leveraging the country’s rich natural resources, primarily oil and gas, to drive economic growth. Additionally, he has fostered relationships with global powers and invested in infrastructure projects that bolster Azerbaijan's role as a vital energy corridor between east and west. Under his leadership, the nation's economy has seen diversification efforts that expand beyond oil and gas into sectors such as tourism and technology.
Ilham Aliyev sought for the presidency in the October 2003 election, but Azerbaijan's election law prohibited him from doing so while serving as prime minister. As a result, he remained in the position, but his duties were temporarily assumed by Artur Rasizade, who became acting prime minister following Aliyev's leave of absence on 6 August 2003.
This arrangement allowed Aliyev to focus on his presidential campaign while retaining his position as prime minister until the election.
Social Network
Ilham Aliyev maintains a robust online presence, utilizing platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to communicate with the public and share updates on government initiatives. His accounts often highlight his engagements, both domestically and internationally, reiterating the government's commitment to transparency and active citizen engagement.
In 1999, Ilham Aliyev was elected as the deputy chair of the ruling New Azerbaijan Party and in 2001, he was elected to the post of first deputy chair at the Second Congress of the Party.
At the third Congress of the New Azerbaijan Party held on 26 March 2005, President Aliyev and the first deputy of the Party was unanimously elected to the post of chairman of the Party. The fourth and fifth congresses of the party held in 2008 and 2013 unanimously supported his nomination for the next presidential term.
Education
Ilham Aliyev's educational background is distinguished and aligns with his political career. He earned his degree from the Azerbaijan State Economic University and later attended the Moscow State Institute of International Relations, where he received a Ph.D. in History. His academic qualifications have equipped him with a comprehensive understanding of international relations, culture, and economics, all of which have played a significant role in shaping his policies as president.
In conclusion, Ilham Aliyev continues to be an influential figure in both Azerbaijan and global politics as of 2025. With a rich background in politics, education, and a supportive family, his life journey is a reflection of dedication to his country and its people.
