First Lady

The biography of Mehriban Aliyeva (Mehriban Aliyeva Arif gizi)

Mehriban Aliyeva was born in August 26, 1964 in Baku.

In 1982 she graduated from the secondary school number 23 in the city of Baku with gold medal and admitted to the preventive-treatment faculty of the Azerbaijan State Medical Institute named after N.Narimanov.

In 1988 she obtained the distinction diploma from the 1st Moscow State Medical Institute named after M.Sechenov.

In 1988-1992 she worked at the Eye Diseases Scientific-Research Institute in Moscow under the leadership of academician Krasnov.

In 1995 “Friends of Azerbaijani Culture” Charitable Foundation was established by the initiative of Mehriban Aliyeva and is being run by her at present time.

In 1996 Mehriban Aliyeva founded “Azerbaijan – Heritage” magazine. The magazine is published in three languages (Azerbaijani, English and Russian) and its aim is to promote the Azerbaijani culture.

In 2002, Mehriban Aliyeva was elected the President of Azerbaijan Gymnastics Federation and demonstrated herself as a skillful organizer in that position. Her growing prestige in international level played an important role in adoption of the decision by the International Gymnastics Federation to hold 2003 and 2004 World Cup competitions, as well as 2005 World Championship on Rhythmic Gymnastics in Azerbaijan.

Mehriban Aliyeva is leading the Heydar Aliyev Foundation which was founded to transmit the national Statehood ideas forged by Heydar Aliyev to new generations. An official opening of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation has been held on May 10, 2004.

As the recognition of her relentless efforts in protection and development of Azerbaijan’s intangible folk literature and music heritage, Mehriban Aliyeva was awarded the title of Goodwill Ambassador of UNESCO on August 13, 2004.

In 28 December 2004 Mehriban Aliyeva was elected the member of Executive Committee of NOC.

Mehriban Aliyeva has been member of the New Azerbaijan Party’s Political Board since 2004.

Mehriban Aliyeva has been awarded the title of “Woman of Year” according to the sociologic poll held in Azerbaijan in 2005.

In 2005 Mehriban Aliyeva was obtained an academic degree of PhD.

Mehriban Aliyeva, whose candidacy was initiated by Yeni Azerbaijan Party on November 6, 2005 elections to the Milli Majlis of Republic of Azerbaijan, has been elected MP with 92,12% vote (23106 votes).

The Fund of National Hero Chingiz Mustafayev and ANS Group of Companies have declared Mehriban Aliyeva, the President of Heydar Aliyev Foundation and “Friends of Azerbaijani Culture” Charitable Foundation, UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador and the member of the Milli Majlis as “the Person of 2005”

For her services in development of the education system of Azerbaijan, protection and promotion of national cultural heritage, strengthening the positive image of Azerbaijan in the world, organization and realization of The World Rhythmic Gymnastics Championships in Azerbaijan, as well as large scale philanthropic activities, Mehriban Aliyeva was declared as „The Person of 2005“.

Mrs. Mehriban Aliyeva was awarded the title of Goodwill Ambassador of ISESCO (Islamic Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) for her wide and brave activities in different fields of life, including the dialog among civilizations, the attention to the children in need, her solid support to the improvement of their living conditions, education, and the projects implemented in Islamic world.

M.Aliyeva was awarded the prize of World Health Organization for her great contributions to the protection and strengthening of mother, child and family health upon the unanimous decision of the 120th session of Executive Committee of the Organization held in Geneva, January 29, 2007.

Mehriban Aliyeva was presented in May 2007 with Golden Heart International Award for wide-scale charity activities.
M.Aliyeva was awarded the Heydar Aliyev Prize for fruitful action in public-political and cultural life of the Republic of Azerbaijan by the Order of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan of 5 May 2009.

In August 2009 she was nominated to receive the award of Great Woman of the 21st century, awardees of which are e.g. Mother Teresa, Queen Elizabeth II., United States Secretary of State HIlary Clinton.

In 2010, UNESCO’s Director-General Irina Bokova awarded Aliyeva with the UNESCO Mozart Medal for strengthening the intercultural dialogue.

http://www.mehriban-aliyeva.org/