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Ayaz Mutallibov

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Ayaz Mutallibov was a central figure in the modern history of Azerbaijan. He served as the nation's first president during a period of massive political shifts. His leadership spanned the transition from a Soviet republic to an independent nation. He was the final leader of Soviet Azerbaijan. He also served as the first President of Azerbaijan during two different periods in the early 1990s. His life reflects the complex process of a country gaining its sovereignty.

Ilham Aliyev attended ceremony to commemorate Khojaly genocide victims, 2020 13
Ilham Aliyev attended ceremony to commemorate Khojaly genocide victims, 2020 13

Mutallibov was born on May 12, 1938, in Baku. His parents were both from Shamakhi. His father, Niyazi, was a physician and a veteran of World War II. His mother, Kubra, was a gynecologist. During his youth, Mutallibov had interests outside of politics. He was a member of his school volleyball team. He also enjoyed listening to jazz music, as well as artists like Elvis Presley and The Beatles. He attended the Azerbaijan State Institute of Petroleum and Chemistry from 1956 to 1962. This education in chemistry helped him begin a career in industry. He later directed the Baku Refrigerator Factory and the "BakElectroBytMash" State Industrial Company.

His political career began within the Azerbaijan Communist Party. He moved through several high-level administrative roles. In 1977, he served as Second Secretary in the Narimanov District of Baku. By 1979, he was the Minister of Local Industry for the Azerbaijan SSR. He then became the Chairman of the State Planning Committee in 1982. In January 1989, he was appointed Chairman of the Council of Ministers. This role placed him at the top of the government structure. On January 24, 1990, he was appointed First Secretary of the Azerbaijan Communist Party. Shortly after, the Supreme Soviet elected him as the first President of the Azerbaijan SSR on May 18, 1990.

As president, Mutallibov oversaw significant changes to the country's identity. In December 1990, he helped lead the effort to rename the country to the Azerbaijan Republic. During this same time, the Supreme Soviet adopted the Declaration of Sovereignty. In September 1991, as the Soviet Union began to collapse, Mutallibov dissolved the Communist Party of Azerbaijan. He then declared himself President of Azerbaijan in an election that had no other candidates. He also had to negotiate with political opposition groups. One major group was the Popular Front party. He eventually helped establish a parliament to divide power between the old guard and the opposition.

His presidency faced intense pressure due to regional conflicts and political unrest. In May 1992, Mutallibov faced criticism regarding losses in the First Nagorno-Karabakh War. Under pressure from the Azerbaijan Popular Front, he resigned his position on March 6, 1992. He passed the presidency to his ally, Yaqub Mammadov. However, the Supreme Soviet later reversed this decision. They relieved Mutallibov of responsibility regarding the Khojaly Massacre and restored him to power. Upon returning to office, Mutallibov attempted to cancel the presidential elections scheduled for June 7, 1992. This decision led to a direct confrontation with the Popular Front.

This confrontation resulted in a sudden change of power. On May 15, 1992, armed forces led by Colonel Isgandar Hamidov took control of the Parliament and State Radio and Television. This event officially deposed Mutallibov. He left the country and went into exile in Moscow. The Supreme Soviet was dissolved, and the National Assembly took over. Isa Gambar of the Popular Front became the acting president. He reinstated the elections, which were eventually won by Abulfaz Elchibey. Mutallibov remained in Moscow for twenty years. He did not return to Azerbaijan until July 2012. He returned only to attend the funeral of his son, Azad, who had died of cancer.

Mutallibov's later years were spent participating in politics from abroad. In 2000, his followers formed the Civil Union Party in Baku. In 2003, he joined the Azerbaijan Social Democratic Party as a co-chairman in exile. He lived a long life and saw many changes in his homeland. He died in Baku on March 27, 2022, at the age of 83. He had been hospitalized for a long illness before his death. His career remains a significant example of the political transitions within the former Soviet Union. His life connects the era of Soviet industry to the era of Azerbaijani independence.

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