Former Bodyguard of Azerbaijani President Found Dead in Turkish Hotel

The former bodyguard of Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, Mahir Mammadov, was found dead in his hotel room in Turkey. Mammadov, who was 50 years old, was on vacation with his family in the popular coastal town of Kuşadası, located in Aydın Province. His sudden death has raised many questions, with the exact cause still undetermined.

Mahir Mammadov and his family had arrived in Kuşadası just three days before the incident, staying at a luxurious five-star hotel in the Kadınlar Denizi neighborhood. The day of the incident started like any other vacation morning. After enjoying breakfast, Mammadov, his wife Kemale, and their son returned to their hotel room to rest. Later, Kemale and their son went out for a walk in the city center, leaving Mammadov alone in the room. Upon their return, they were met with a shocking and heartbreaking sight—Mammadov was lying motionless on the floor.

Kemale Mammadov immediately called for help, and health and police teams quickly arrived at the scene. Despite their prompt response, it was too late—Mahir Mammadov had already passed away. Initial examinations by the medical team found no visible signs of injury, such as cuts or stab wounds, which only deepened the mystery surrounding his death.

Mahir Mammadov was not just an ordinary hotel guest; he had once held a highly significant role as a close protection officer for President Ilham Aliyev of Azerbaijan.

Mammadov had served as Aliyev’s personal bodyguard for an unspecified period, earning the trust and confidence of the Azerbaijani leader. His role would have required him to be highly skilled, alert, and loyal, traits that are essential for someone entrusted with the safety of a head of state.

Although details about the period during which Mammadov served as Aliyev’s bodyguard are scarce, it is clear that he had been a person of considerable importance in the inner circles of Azerbaijani security.

The circumstances surrounding Mammadov’s death are currently under investigation. Authorities have not yet released any information regarding the possible cause of death. The exact cause will only be determined after a thorough autopsy, which is being conducted at the Izmir Forensic Medicine Morgue.