Asli Bayram, a 23-year-old university student of Turkish descent living in Cologne, was named Miss Germany 2005 on 14 January in the western German city of Aachen, organizers announced.

Bayram defeated 21 other finalists drawn from across the country to claim the title. Among her listed hobbies are karate and belly-dancing, though neither was required for the competition.

Her crown was presented by outgoing titleholder Shermine Sharivar, who is of partial Iranian heritage. Bayram will next represent Germany at the Miss Universe 2005 pageant in Thailand and at the Miss Europe 2006 contest.

Germany hosts more than one national beauty competition. A separate event, also called Miss Germany, is scheduled to be held later in January.

Historical summary. TurkishPress restated this AFP wire report, first published in January 2005, in its own words.