15 Facts About Alia Toukan

Alia Toukan was born on 25 December 1948 in Cairo, Egypt, the daughter of Baha Toukan and his wife Hanan Hashim.

Alia Toukan's mother, a home-maker, was a grandniece of Ibrahim Hashim Pasha, and her father was a diplomat.

Alia Toukan spent most of her childhood years traveling with her parents during her father's career in Jordan's diplomatic corps: she lived in Egypt, Turkey, London, the United States, and Rome.

Alia Toukan attended Church School in London with her younger brothers, Alaa and Abdullah.

Alia Toukan was educated at the Rome Center of Liberal Arts of Loyola University Chicago.

Alia Toukan studied political science with a minor in social psychology, and public relations at Hunter College in New York City.

Alia Toukan was interested in sports and writing, and she wished to be a diplomat.

Alia Toukan was asked by King Hussein, grandson of Abdullah I, to oversee the preparations for the first International Water Skiing Festival held in the coastal city of Aqaba in September 1972.

Alia Toukan married the King in a private ceremony at her father's house, with no attendance of any other royal family members, on 24 December 1972,3 days after the king divorced his second wife Princess Muna Al-Hussein, and was titled Queen Alia Toukan Al Hussein.

Queen Alia Toukan founded the Office of the Queen of Jordan and gave it an active and public role.

Alia Toukan financed social development projects, placing particular emphasis on women and children.

Alia Toukan often made surprise visits to hospitals and national institutions, aiming to raise service standards and help people to help themselves.

In 1974, Alia Toukan called for women to be granted the right to vote and be elected for parliament.

Alia Toukan died in a military helicopter crash in Amman, Jordan, on 9 February 1977.

Alia Toukan was on her way back from an inspection trip to Tafileh Hospital in southern Jordan.