What is Ilham Aliyev's net worth?
Ilham Aliyev is the President of Azerbaijan with a net worth estimated at $900 million as of this writing.
Early Life and Political Rise
Born in Baku, Azerbaijan SSR, Ilham Aliyev graduated from the Moscow State University of International Relations. He earned a Master's degree there, followed by a Ph.D. in History. In 1994, he became Vice-President of the State Oil Company of Azerbaijan.
In the ensuing years, he was elected to the National Assembly of Azerbaijan, became President of the National Olympic Committee, and headed the Azerbaijan delegation to the Council of Europe. In August 2003, he was elected Prime Minister.
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Becoming President
A few months after his election as Prime Minister, Ilham's father, the then President of Azerbaijan, stepped down due to ill health and appointed Ilham as his successor. Ilham Aliyev won the 2003 presidential election amid widespread protest and allegations of voter fraud. His presidency is often criticized, and Azerbaijan is known for having one of the most flawed democratic governments in the world.
Salary and Family Wealth
Ilham Aliyev's official presidential salary is $230,000 per year. However, his control over Azerbaijan's oil resources has significantly enriched his family. His son owns nine luxury mansions in Dubai valued at $45 million. His daughters own additional Dubai real estate worth $30 million. Azerbaijani law prohibits public officials from owning private businesses, but it does not apply to their children and spouses. Ilham's daughter Arzu, a television personality and model, owns millions in company shares and assets, including Silk Way Bank and SW Holding. SW Holding owns numerous companies, including the state airline and the state's official contractor.
