First Lady of Azerbaijan

Aliyeva Mehriban Arif gyzy, First Lady of Azerbaijan

Aliyeva Mehriban Arif gyzy was born in Baku City. In 1982 finished Secondary School No.23 in Baku City with golden medal and entered the Preventive-Treatment Faculty of the Azerbaijan State Medical Institute named after N.Narimanov.

In 1988 graduated with honorary diploma from the 1st Moscow State Medical Institute named after M.Sechenov.

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

In 1995 at the initiative of Mrs Mehriban Aliyeva the Azerbaijani Culture Friends Foundation, which she heads, was created.

In 1996 Mehriban Aliyeva founded “Azerbaijan – Irs” Magazine, which is published in three languages (Azerbaijani, English and Russian), on the purpose of wide propaganda of Azerbaijani culture.

In 2002 Mehriban Aliyeva was elected President of the Azerbaijan Gymnastics Federation and showed herself as a skilful organizer in that position. Her growing prestige in the international world played important role in adoption of decision of International Gymnastics Federation on realization of 2003 and 2004 World Cup competitions and 2005 World Championship on Rhythmic Gymnastics in Azerbaijan.

Mehriban Aliyeva heads Heydar Aliyev Foundation, founded to study rich legacy of nationwide leader of Azerbaijan Heydar Aliyev, as well deliver his national statehood ideas to new generations. Heydar Aliyev Foundation was inaugurated on May 10, 2004.

Due to her hard efforts in protection and development of Azerbaijan’s verbal folk literature and music heritage Mrs Mehriban Aliyeva was awarded the title of Goodwill Ambassador of UNESCO on August 13, 2004.

On December 28, 2004 Mehriban Aliyeva was elected member of Executive Committee of National Olympic Committee of the Republic of Azerbaijan in IV General Assembly of the Committee.

M.Aliyeva is member of Political Board of New Azerbaijan Party since 2004.

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

Awarded on June 9, 2005 the ‘Ruby Cross’ Order of ‘Philanthropists of the Century’ International Charity Foundation of Russia for her public, philanthropic and charity activities, support to the educational and cultural institutions, worthy contributions to the consolidation of friendship between nations of Russia and Azerbaijan.

In 2005 received an academic degree of Candidate of Philosophy.

Mehriban Aliyeva, whose candidacy was run by New Azerbaijan Party in the elections held on November 6, 2005 to Milli Majlis of the Republic of Azerbaijan from the Azizbeyov Second Constituency No.14, was elected to the parliament with 92,12% vote (23106 votes).

Fund of National Hero Chingiz Mustafayev and ANS Group of Companies announced Mehriban Aliyeva ‘Person of 2005’ for her services in development of the education system of the country, protection of national and cultural heritage, the works she implements for positive image of Azerbaijan in the world, organization and realization of the World Rhythmic Gymnastics Championship in Azerbaijan, as well as philanthropic activity.

November 24, 2006 Mrs Mehriban Aliyeva was awarded the title of Goodwill Ambassador of ISESCO for the wide-scale and selfless activity in different spheres, including the dialog among civilizations, the attention to the children in need of care, the big support to improvement of their living conditions, education, also works carried out in the 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 and high achievements in field of service to the higher ideals of mankind.

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.

September 14, 2009 Mrs Mehriban Aliyeva was awarded the Grand Commander’s Cross of the Order of Merit of the Polish Republic for contributions to development of friendly ties between Azerbaijan and Poland.

February 15, 2010 Mrs Mehriban Aliyeva awarded the Officer Class of the National Order of Legion of Honor by the order of the President of the Republic of France for outstanding service and loyalty to France.

Married, has two daughters and a son.

Source: www.mehriban-aliyeva.org