Ayaz Niyaz oglu Mutalibov was the first President of Azerbaijan, serving from 1990 to 1992.
Background and History:
- Born: May 12, 1938, in Baku, Azerbaijan Soviet Socialist Republic (SSR)
- Education: Graduated from the Azerbaijan Institute of Oil and Chemistry and later earned a doctorate in economics.
- Career: Worked in various positions in the oil industry before becoming a prominent figure in the Communist Party of Azerbaijan SSR.
Ethnicity:
- Azerbaijani
Achievements and Legacy:
- Elected as the first President of Azerbaijan in 1990 during a period of political upheaval following the collapse of the Soviet Union.
- Declared Azerbaijan’s independence from the Soviet Union on August 30, 1991, and oversaw the country’s transition to a sovereign state.
- Faced significant challenges during his presidency, including ethnic conflicts, economic difficulties, and political instability.
- Forced to resign from office in March 1992 due to pressure from political opponents and ongoing unrest in the country.
Popular Facts:
- Known for his pragmatic approach and efforts to balance the interests of various factions within Azerbaijan during a turbulent period.
- Remembered for his role in declaring Azerbaijan’s independence and shaping the early years of the country’s nationhood.
Mutalibov’s presidency was marked by both achievements and challenges, and his legacy remains a contested one in Azerbaijan’s history.
![Azerbaijan (UK: AZ-ər-by-JAHN, -JAN, US: AH-zər-by-JAHN, AZ-; Azerbaijani: Azərbaycan, [ɑːzæɾbɑjˈdʒɑn]), officially the Republic of Azerbaijan, is a transcontinental country located at the boundary of Eastern Europe and West Asia. It is a part of the South Caucasus region and is bounded by the Caspian Sea to the east, Russia (Republic of Dagestan) to the north, Georgia to the northwest, Armenia and Turkey to the west, and Iran to the south. Baku is the capital and largest city.
The territory of what is now the modern Republic of Azerbijan was first ruled by Caucasian Albania and later various Persian empires. Up until the 19th century, it remained part of Qajar Iran but the Russo-Persian wars of 1804–1813 and 1826–1828, forced the Qajar empire to cede its Caucasian territories to the Russian Empire; the treaties of Gulistan in 1813 and Turkmenchay in 1828 defined the border between Czarist Russia and Qajar Iran.
The region north of the Aras was Iranian until it was occupied by Russia during the 19th century. According to the Treaty of Turkmenchay, Qajar Iran recognized Russian sovereignty over the Erivan, Nakhchivan and Talysh Khanates (the last parts of Azerbaijan still in Iranian hands). The area was part of the Caucasus Viceroyalty.
By the late 19th century, an Azerbaijani national identity emerged with the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic proclaimed its independence from the Transcaucasian Democratic Federative Republic in 1918, a year after the Russian Empire collapsed, and became the first secular democratic Muslim-majority state. In 1920, the country was incorporated into the Soviet Union as the Azerbaijan SSR. The modern Republic of Azerbaijan proclaimed its independence on 30 August 1991, shortly before the dissolution of the Soviet Union in the same year. In September 1991, the ethnic Armenian majority of the Nagorno-Karabakh region formed the self-proclaimed Republic of Artsakh. The region and seven surrounding districts are internationally recognized as part of Azerbaijan, pending a solution to the status of Nagorno-Karabakh through negotiations facilitated by the OSCE, although it became de facto independent with the end of the First Nagorno-Karabakh War in 1994. Following the Second Nagorno-Karabakh War in 2020, the seven districts and parts of Nagorno-Karabakh were returned to Azerbaijani control. An Azerbaijani offensive in 2023 resulted in the Republic of Artsakh agreeing to dissolve itself and the flight of Nagorno-Karabakh Armenians.Azerbaijan is a unitary semi-presidential republic. It is one of six independent Turkic states and an active member of the Organization of Turkic States and the TÜRKSOY community. Azerbaijan has diplomatic relations with 182 countries and holds membership in 38 international organizations, including the United Nations, the Council of Europe, the Non-Aligned Movement, the OSCE, and the NATO PfP program. It is one of the founding members of GUAM, the CIS, and the OPCW. Azerbaijan is also an observer state of the WTO.
The vast majority of the country's population (97%) is nominally Muslim, but the constitution does not declare an official religion and all major political forces in the country are secular. Azerbaijan is a developing country and ranks 91st on the Human Development Index. The ruling New Azerbaijan Party, in power since 1993, has been accused of authoritarianism under president Heydar Aliyev and his son Ilham Aliyev, and deteriorating the country's human rights record, including increasing restrictions on civil liberties, particularly on press freedom and political repression.](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/d/dd/Flag_of_Azerbaijan.svg)
Emblem of Azerbaijan
To enrich your insights into presidential figures worldwide, also explore some prominent first presidents from other countries, such as Austria, Australia and Armenia. Delving into the leadership journeys of these figures can offer valuable perspectives on their historical significance and pivotal roles in shaping global politics.
![The president of the Republic of Azerbaijan is the head of state of Azerbaijan. The Constitution states that the president is the embodiment of executive power, commander-in-chief, "representative of Azerbaijan in home and foreign policies", and "shall have the right of immunity [from prosecution]." The president rules through his executive office, the Presidential Administration, consisting of a group of secretaries and departmental ministers. Additionally, there is a Cabinet of Ministers regarding economic and social policy and a Security Council regarding foreign, military, and judicial matters.
The primary workplace is the presidential building (also known as the presidential apparatus) on Istiglaliyyat Street in Baku. Ilham Aliyev, son of the former president, Heydar, was elected the 4th and current president on 31 October 2003 after his father's resignation due to his deteriorating health and eventually died several months later.](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/4/4a/Flag_of_the_President_of_Azerbaijan.svg)
The official residence and symbol of the Azerbaijan President
10 Iconic Presidents Who Shaped Azerbaijan’s History
1. Heydar Aliyev: Heydar Aliyev served as the President of Azerbaijan from 1993 until his death in 2003. He was a highly influential figure in the country’s politics and played a key role in its development and stability. Aliyev is widely regarded as the founder of modern Azerbaijan and is credited with bringing stability, economic growth, and international recognition to the country.
- Significance: Founder of modern Azerbaijan, introduced stability and economic growth.
2. Ilham Aliyev: Ilham Aliyev, the son of Heydar Aliyev, succeeded his father as President of Azerbaijan in 2003 and has remained in power ever since. Under his leadership, Azerbaijan has experienced continued economic growth and development. Aliyev has also pursued a policy of diversifying the country’s economy, reducing its dependence on oil and gas exports.
- Significance: Continued economic growth, diversification of the economy.
3. Abulfaz Elchibey: Abulfaz Elchibey was the first democratically elected President of Azerbaijan, serving from 1992 to 1993. He played a significant role in the country’s transition to independence from the Soviet Union. Elchibey advocated for democratic reforms but faced challenges in implementing them due to political and economic instability.
- Significance: First democratically elected President, contributed to Azerbaijan’s independence.
4. Ayaz Mutallibov: Ayaz Mutallibov was the last Soviet-era leader and the first President of Azerbaijan, serving from 1991 to 1992. He played a crucial role in the country’s struggle for independence. However, his presidency was marred by political and economic challenges, including the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.
- Significance: Last Soviet-era leader, contributed to Azerbaijan’s independence.
5. Artur Rasizade: Artur Rasizade served as the Prime Minister of Azerbaijan for over 16 years, from 1996 to 2018. During his tenure, he played a key role in the country’s economic development and oversaw various reforms. Rasizade is known for his pragmatic approach and his efforts in promoting stability and growth.
- Significance: Longest-serving Prime Minister, contributed to economic development.
6. Isa Gambar: Isa Gambar is a prominent Azerbaijani politician who served as President of the National Council of Azerbaijan from 1992 to 1993. He has been a vocal advocate for democratic reforms and has played an active role in Azerbaijan’s political landscape.
- Significance: Vocal advocate for democratic reforms, influential in Azerbaijan’s politics.
7. Ali Hasanov: Ali Hasanov served as the Chief of Staff of the Azerbaijani President from 1999 to 2019. He played a crucial role in coordinating government activities and advising the President on various matters. Hasanov is known for his pragmatic approach and his efforts in promoting Azerbaijan’s interests.
- Significance: Chief of Staff, influential in government coordination.
8. Mehriban Aliyeva: Mehriban Aliyeva, the wife of President Ilham Aliyev, has played an active role in Azerbaijani politics and society. She is currently the First Vice President of Azerbaijan and has focused on various social and cultural initiatives. Aliyeva is known for her charitable work and efforts in promoting Azerbaijan’s cultural heritage.
- Significance: First Vice President, focused on social and cultural initiatives.
9. Arif Pashayev: Arif Pashayev is a renowned Azerbaijani physicist and mathematician who served as the Minister of Education from 2006 to 2020. During his tenure, he implemented various reforms in the education sector and focused on improving the quality of education in Azerbaijan. Pashayev is known for his commitment to promoting scientific research and innovation.
- Significance: Minister of Education, implemented education reforms.
10. Mehdi Qurbanov: Mehdi Qurbanov is a prominent Azerbaijani diplomat who has held various important positions, including Ambassador to the United States and Minister of Foreign Affairs. He has played a crucial role in representing Azerbaijan’s interests internationally and has been involved in diplomatic efforts to resolve the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.
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