May 26

Born in Devon, Churchill rose through military ranks under Charles II and William III, earning acclaim at the Battle of Sedgemoor. As Duke of Marlborough, he secured decisive victories at Blenheim (1704), Ramillies (1706), and Oudenarde (1708), shaping the European balance of power. Churchill served as a key advisor to Queen Anne and held political offices including Lord Lieutenant of Oxfordshire. His marriage to Sarah Jennings influenced court politics. Despite political rivalries and exile, he returned to favor under George I. His strategic genius and statesmanship left a lasting impact on British military history.

Born in 1904 in Tatarstan, Tamurbek Dawletschin pursued a career in literature, writing poetry and short stories. During World War II, he was captured and spent years as a prisoner of war, an experience that deeply influenced his work. After his return, Dawletschin published memoirs and essays that depicted the harsh realities of war and life in captivity. His writings also celebrated Tatar culture and language at a time of political upheaval. He continued to write and publish until his death in 1983, leaving a body of work that offers unique insights into 20th-century history and identity.

Muhammed Faris was a Syrian military aviator and cosmonaut born in Aleppo. Selected for the Soviet Union's Intercosmos program, he flew on the Soyuz TM-3 mission in 1987, becoming the first Syrian and second Arab in space. During his eight-day mission aboard the Mir space station, he conducted scientific experiments in areas like astronomy and plant biology. Faris was awarded the title Hero of the Soviet Union for his achievements. After returning to Syria, he continued his service in the Air Force and later held positions in the civil aviation authority.