"I am so happy and excited," Azra Akin, 21 , after winning the 2002 title and 100,000 pounds prize money ahead of Miss Colombia, Natalia Peralta, in second and Miss Peru, Marina Mora Montero, in third place.
"I hope to represent the women of the world in a good way," Akin said. The gala show in Alexandra Palace in London went ahead despite calls for its cancellation that followed last month's violence in Nigeria that killed more than 200 people.
One prominent British feminist had said the women would be parading in "swimwear dripping with blood" if the show went on, and about half a dozen competitors withdrew.
Akin, who was brought up in the Netherlands and lists belly-dancing and German flute-playing among her interests, said she had been "shocked" by the carnage in Nigeria but did not believe the Miss World event was responsible.
"I wish people in the world would be more respectful to each other," she added.
"People who think Miss World was to blame should research more about this competition, because we are doing great things."
Although taking place on a dank day in England, the show had an African flavor, with footage and interviews from Nigeria, where the 88 contestants had been based before the riots.
