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First Lady of Azerbaijan Mehriban Aliyeva marks her birthday today

26 August 2008 12:53 (UTC +04:00)

Mehriban Aliyeva was born into a family of scholars on August 26, 1964. In 1982, Mehriban Aliyeva graduated from Secondary Public School #23 in Baku earning a gold medal for successful completion of her studies. A few months later she was admitted to the Azerbaijan Medical University and later continued her studies at the Sechenov Moscow Medical Academy, from where she graduated with an honorary diploma in 1988. In 1988-1992 Mehriban Aliyeva worked at the Moscow Scientific Research Institute for Eye Diseases lead by Dr. Mikhail Krasnov.

In 1995, she established the Friends of Azerbaijani Culture Foundation. In 1996, she started Azerbaijan Heritage culture and history magazine published in Azeri, English and Russian and became its editor-in-chief. In 2004, she established the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, which focuses on studying and holding events to promote Heydar Aliyev’s political ideology. In 2004, Aliyeva became a designated UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador for promoting oral and musical traditions.

Mehriban Aliyeva is the President of Azerbaijan Gymnastics Federation and executive member of the Azerbaijan National Olympic Committee. A national survey held in Azerbaijan earned her the title of the Woman of the Year in 2005. She is also the first female to become Knight of the Ruby Cross awarded to her by the Patrons of the Century International Charitable Fund for her philanthropic work. Mehriban Aliyeva is the member of The New Azerbaijan Party (YAP). In 2005, she was elected member of Azerbaijani parliament.

Mehriban Aliyeva married in 1984, has two daughters and a son.