Mehriban Aliyeva, the physician by specialization, is actively engaged in the areas of culture, education and sport. From 1995, via the Azerbaijani Friends Culture Foundation she has supported popularization of her country's cultural heritage, its conservation on the national and regional levels through such manifestations as festivals, exhibitions, cultural events and concerts. Mrs Aliyeva has initiated the establishment of a Mugham Centre in Baku in order to promote the traditional classical music of Azerbaijan at the international level.
M.Aliyeva is also concerned about problems of children. Her charity works in this domain include renovation and modernization of orphanages in Azerbaijan, as well as opening of a music school and provision of treatment for children suffering from diabetes.
As UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador, Mrs Mehriban Aliyeva supports the Organization's activities for the safeguarding of intangible cultural heritage, especially oral traditions and expressions, performing arts and traditional craftsmanship.