Aliyeva Mehriban Arif gizi was born in the city of 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, which is published in three languages . 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 our country, protection and promotion of our national cultural heritage, her works fulfilled to strengthen 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. In 24 November 2006, she was awarded the title of Goodwill Ambassador of ISESCO 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. 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. 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 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 she was 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.
