Zarifa Aliyeva

Stamp of Azerbaijan 823-824a

Zarifa Aliyeva (28 April 1923 – 15 April 1985) was a distinguished Azerbaijani ophthalmologist, scientist, and the wife of the third President of Azerbaijan, Heydar Aliyev. Her contributions to the field of ophthalmology, particularly in pediatric ophthalmology and eye diseases, have left a lasting impact on medical science in Azerbaijan and beyond. Zarifa Aliyeva's work focused on the study and treatment of eye diseases in children, making significant strides in understanding and treating conditions that affect vision from a young age.

Early Life and Education

Zarifa Aliyeva was born in Ganja, Azerbaijan SSR, into an intellectual family. From a young age, she showed a keen interest in the sciences, which paved the way for her future career in medicine. Aliyeva pursued her medical education at the Azerbaijan Medical University, where she specialized in ophthalmology, the branch of medicine dealing with the anatomy, physiology, and diseases of the eye.

Career

After completing her education, Zarifa Aliyeva embarked on a career that would see her become one of the leading figures in Azerbaijani medicine. She worked extensively on eye diseases, particularly in children, and her research contributed to the development of new methods for diagnosis and treatment. Aliyeva held several key positions throughout her career, including head of the Eye Diseases Department at the Azerbaijan Medical University.

Her work was not only limited to clinical practice and research. Zarifa Aliyeva was also a dedicated educator, teaching the next generation of medical professionals and contributing to the academic literature in her field. She authored numerous scientific articles and books, which are still referenced by ophthalmologists today.

Personal Life

Zarifa Aliyeva was married to Heydar Aliyev, who would later become the third President of Azerbaijan. Together, they had two children. Her personal life, much like her professional life, was marked by her commitment to her family and her country.

Legacy

Zarifa Aliyeva's legacy in the field of ophthalmology is profound. Her pioneering work, particularly in pediatric ophthalmology, has had a lasting impact on how eye diseases in children are understood and treated not only in Azerbaijan but around the world. The Zarifa Aliyeva National Ophthalmology Center in Baku is named in her honor, serving as a testament to her contributions to medical science and the health of the nation.

Death

Zarifa Aliyeva passed away on 15 April 1985, just shy of her 62nd birthday. Her death was mourned by many who recognized her contributions to medicine and the well-being of children in particular.