10 Facts About Safar Abiyev

Safar Abiyev was considered one of the longest serving defense ministers in the Commonwealth of Independent States.

Safar Abiyev graduated in 1971 from Baku's Higher Military College, and in 1982 from the Command Faculty of the Frunze Military Academy in Moscow, and has spent his entire professional life in the armed forces.

Safar Abiyev worked as acting Minister until August 1993 when Deputy Minister Vahid Musayev was assigned to lead the ministry but was sacked by Heydar Aliyev on August 25,1993.

Safar Abiyev continued to serve as the Chief of General Staff until November 2,1993, when the post was taken by Najmaddin Sadigov.

Safar Abiyev was reinstated as Minister of Defense of Azerbaijan on February 6,1995, replacing Mammadrafi Mammadov.

Safar Abiyev was part of the State Commission for the funeral of Heydar Aliyev.

Safar Abiyev commanded the first parade in 16 years in 2008 to honor the 90th anniversary of the Azerbaijani Armed Forces.

Safar Abiyev went on to command two subsequent parades on Azadliq Square.

Later, a military expert revealed that Safar Abiyev resides is in Baku and receives a pension of more than 3,000 manats.

Safar Abiyev's younger son Roman Abiyev is an employee of the prosecutor's office.