Elchin Guliyev


Elchin Isa oglu Guliyev is an Azerbaijani politician who serves as the Chief of State Border Service of Azerbaijan Republic.

Early life

Guliyev was born on September 22, 1967 in Sumgayit, Azerbaijan. In 1974–1982, he studied at secondary schools No. 20 and 23, and from 1982 to 1984, he went to a Jamshid Nakhichevanski Military Lyceum, a specialized military training school. In 1984, he entered the Baku Higher Combined Arms Command School. Graduating from the school in 1988, he served in various positions at Northern Group of Forces of the Soviet Army stationed in Poland from 1988 through 1992. After restoration of independence of Azerbaijan, he served as the Commander of an Army Unit of Azerbaijani Armed Forces from 1992–2001.

Political career

On March 21, 2001 he was appointed Deputy Minister of Ministry of National Security and Commander of Azerbaijani Border Guard by President Heydar Aliyev. On July 31, 2002 he was appointed Chief of State Border Service of Azerbaijan Republic by President Ilham Aliyev. As the Chief of State Border Service, he was able to encourage opening of a new Academy of State Border Troops in August 2010, of which he became the rector. He also enabled stronger defense of maritime borders. While in office, Guliyev has built strong relations with border services of other countries seeking to train the Azerbaijani servicemen to enforce better defense of pipelines and oil and gas deposits.
On March 6, 2009 Guliyev was also elected the President of Azerbaijan Horseback Riding Sports Federation.

Awards and ranks

On August 15, 2001 he was conferred the rank of Major General, on May 17, 2003 he obtained the rank of Lieutenant General and August 15, 2014 he obtained the rank of Colonel general. He was awarded with multiple medals and orders of Azerbaijan Republic and other countries.