Born: 1948 (Cairo, Egypt)
Died: 1977 (Amman, Jordan)
Biography:
Alia Toukan, also known as Alia Al-Hussein, was born on December 25, 1948, in Cairo, Egypt. She was the daughter of Baha Toukan and Hanan Hashim. Her father, a diplomat and close confidant of King Abdullah I of Jordan, served as Jordan’s first Ambassador to the United Nations and had helped write the Jordanian Constitution in 1952. Alia spent her childhood traveling with her parents due to her father’s diplomatic career, living in various countries including Egypt, Turkey, London, the United States, and Rome.
Alia received her education at the Church School in London, where she attended with her two younger brothers. Later on, she studied political science with a minor in social psychology and public relations at the Rome Center of Liberal Arts of Loyola University Chicago. She had a keen interest in sports and writing and aspired to become a diplomat.
In 1971, Alia moved to Jordan, where she began working for Royal Jordanian Airlines. It was during this time that she was approached by King Hussein, the grandson of King Abdullah I, to oversee the preparations for the first International Water Skiing Festival held in Aqaba in September 1972.
On December 24, 1972, Alia married King Hussein in a private ceremony at her father’s house. The wedding did not include any other members of the royal family. Following their marriage, Alia was given the title of Queen Alia Al Hussein. Together, they had two children – Princess Haya, born on May 3, 1974, and Prince Ali, born on December 23, 1975. They also adopted Abir, a young Palestinian girl whose mother had been killed in a plane crash at a refugee camp near the Amman airport.
During her time as Queen, Alia founded the Office of the Queen of Jordan and played an active and public role. She was known for her commitment to social development projects, with a particular focus on supporting women and children. Alia often made surprise visits to hospitals and orphanages, providing assistance and lift spirits. Her dedication and compassion in these endeavors set an example for her successors.
Tragically, on February 9, 1977, Queen Alia lost her life in a helicopter crash. Her untimely death left a profound impact on the nation and its people, as Alia was widely beloved for her genuine care and dedication to improving the lives of others.