Mehriban Aliyeva, First Vice-President of Azerbaijan and President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, is a bright and inspiring symbol of the modern Azerbaijani woman + Photo
Aug 26, 2025 | 10:00 / Important events
Through her noble deeds, compassion, and humanism, she has earned the admiration of millions and become one of the most influential public and political figures of our time. Her activities are focused on preserving national and spiritual values, promoting cultural heritage worldwide, and improving the social welfare of the Azerbaijani people.
Under her leadership, the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, established in 2004, has implemented numerous large-scale projects in education, health, culture, ecology, and social development. The Foundation’s humanitarian mission reflects her personal values of kindness, generosity, and respect for human dignity. Important initiatives such as “New School for a Renewing Azerbaijan,” “Support for Education,” and “Life without Thalassemia” have brought remarkable results in improving social and healthcare infrastructure.
During the Patriotic War, she gave moral support to the Armed Forces, called for national unity, and actively participated in post-war reconstruction, especially in Karabakh and East Zangezur. Her efforts in preserving and promoting Azerbaijan’s cultural heritage led to the inclusion of Icherisheher, Gobustan, Sheki’s historic center, and Khinalig in the UNESCO World Heritage List, while Azerbaijani mugham, ashig art, kelaghayi, and other traditions were recognized as Intangible Cultural Heritage.
Mehriban Aliyeva has also been a strong advocate of interfaith dialogue, international cooperation, and peace. She has initiated and supported projects in France, Italy, Pakistan, Egypt, India, and the Vatican, strengthening Azerbaijan’s image worldwide. Thanks to her organizational skills, Azerbaijan successfully hosted prestigious international events such as Eurovision, the First European Games, the Islamic Solidarity Games, Formula 1 races, and COP29-related forums.
Her humanitarian work has been recognized with numerous awards, including the Heydar Aliyev Order, the French Legion of Honor, Italy’s Grand Cross Order of Merit, and UNESCO’s Mozart Medal. Yet, she often emphasizes that her greatest award is the trust and love of the Azerbaijani people. Mehriban Aliyeva continues to write the story of her life with dignity and commitment, setting a shining example of service to the nation and humanity.