Today, July 18, is the birthday of Nelson Mandela, another name of hope and unity. He is one of the greatest leaders of all time. Nelson Mandela spent 27 long years of his life in prison. He has passed thousands of storms.

In 1962, Mandela was arrested by the South African apartheid government. 18 years of his 27 years in prison were in South Africa's infamous Robben Island prison.

He was released from prison on February 11, 1990 after almost three decades. Later on this day in 1994, this undisputed leader was elected as the first black president in South Africa's democratic elections. Today is the birthday of this leader who made outstanding contribution to justice.

This undisputed anti-apartheid leader was born on July 18, 1918 in South Africa. In 2009, the United Nations also declared this special day as 'International Nelson Mandela Day'.

Also, English philosopher and architect Robert Hooke was born on the same day. In 1660, scientist Hooke discovered the law of elasticity of matter. This is known as Hooke's law.

On December 5, 2013, this legend left billions of fans around the world to the land of no return. At that time he was 95 years old.