Women Who Left Their Mark in Turkish History: The stories of Turkish women, who have laid the foundation of a strong society through their selfless efforts, are not just a past filled with struggle but also a source of inspiration for the future. These industrious Turkish women have transformed society, broken barriers, and never wavered in their fight despite the challenges they faced throughout their lives. Their stories symbolize the beginning of an epic journey filled with sacrifice, courage, and determination. Let’s take a look at a few of these remarkable stories.
Women Who Left Their Mark in Turkish History : Nezihe Viranyalı
Nezihe Viranyalı was a pioneer of the Turkish women’s movement and one of Turkey’s first female pilots. With her courage and determination, she challenged the societal norms of her time and achieved significant success in the field of aviation. In 1912, she went to Europe to receive flight training and earned her pilot’s license in 1913. At a time when aviation was considered a male-dominated field, her step was one that very few women dared to take.
Upon returning to Turkey, Viranyalı proved that women could exist in the field of aviation and inspired young girls to follow in her footsteps. With her courage and determination, she strived to strengthen the roles of women in society in Turkey and the world by pushing the boundaries.
Women Who Left Their Mark in Turkish History: Afife Jale
Afife Jale holds a very important place in Turkish theater history. She made her stage debut with the play “Şair Evlenmesi” (The Poet’s Marriage) and gradually became a well-known actress in Ottoman society. Despite receiving great acclaim for her performances, she faced criticism and pressure from certain segments of society.
During her time, women performing on stage and participating in the theater arts was seen as an act that defied societal norms and traditions. Therefore, Jale and other brave women like her faced various pressures and criticisms. However, these challenges only strengthened her resolve and determination.
Although she passed away in 1914, Afife Jale’s impact and significance in Turkish theater history are still remembered and appreciated. Her courage and pioneering spirit are recognized as a turning point in the struggle for women’s presence in the art world.
Film: Afife Jale
Women Who Left Their Mark in Turkish History: Nüzhet Gökdoğan
Nüzhet Gökdoğan was one of the first female scientists of the Republic of Turkey. Known as “Turkey’s first female astronomer and the first female dean,” she was the first Turkish associate professor to serve in the Astronomy Department at Istanbul University’s Faculty of Science. She was a founder of both the Turkish Mathematical Society and the Turkish Association of University Women and later established the Turkish Astronomical Society, serving as its president for about twenty years.
Fatma Aliye Topuz
Fatma Aliye Topuz was one of the prominent figures of Turkish literature. An important writer and intellectual, she was known for her active role in the literary world during the Ottoman era, advocating for women’s rights and contributing to the establishment of girls’ schools.
In her works, she addressed social issues, women’s rights, education, and moral values. One of her most famous works, the novel “Mürebbiye,” presents a striking picture of the education and role of women in Ottoman society.
Fatma Aliye left a literary legacy in a field where women were limited in her time, inspiring future generations.
Nezihe Muhiddin
Nezihe Muhiddin was a leading figure in the Turkish women’s movement. As one of the founders of the Turkish Women’s Union, she played a significant role in advocating for women’s rights in education, employment, and political participation. As an active journalist and writer, Muhiddin supported women’s social roles and the fight for equality, using the media effectively to make the voices of Turkish women heard.
However, as she demanded rights for women, the pressure on her by the authorities increased. The sealing of the Turkish Women’s Union, Muhiddin being accused of corruption, and her subsequent expulsion from the Union are just a few examples of this pressure. She passed away in Istanbul in 1958, but her legacy continues to contribute to the progress of the Turkish women’s movement and the respect for women’s rights.
The Documentary : The sin of being a woman
Süreyya Ağaoğlu
Süreyya Ağaoğlu was an important figure in Turkish literature. Born in Istanbul in 1913, Ağaoğlu produced works in both poetry and essay genres in Turkish literature. In addition to her literary identity, she was a thinker who had a significant impact on Turkish modernization and social change.
Ağaoğlu, who expressed her ideas freely and had a critical perspective, examined the changes and modernization process of Turkish society. With her works written from a social and critical perspective, she made significant contributions to Turkish literature. Moreover, she was known as an intellectual who was also interested in politics and social issues and influenced with her ideas.
Hatı Çırpan
Hatı Çırpan holds a very important position in Turkish political history. She was one of Turkey’s first female village headmen and also one of the first female members of parliament. Her political career marked an important turning point in the political participation and rights of Turkish women.
Hatı Çırpan’s political leadership strengthened the presence of Turkish women in politics and made significant contributions to the struggle for gender equality. Her pioneering role is an example of efforts to increase women’s representation in politics. Her contributions are unforgettable in the progress of the women’s rights movement in Turkey and as a pioneer of social change.
Dilhan Eryurt
Dilhan Eryurt was a Turkish astronomer and astrophysicist. Eryurt achieved a significant place both in Turkey and internationally as a scientist. She worked particularly on the different layers of the sun and the formation of stars.
Eryurt made efforts to contribute to science education and research in Turkey, trained many students, and raised awareness in the field of astronomy. As Turkey’s first female astrophysicist, she played an important role. Her work provided significant contributions to the developments in science and astronomy in Turkey.
Safiye Ali
Safiye Ali is known as one of the pioneers of the Turkish women’s movement. At a time when women’s roles in education and social life were limited, Safiye Ali played an active role in education and women’s rights.
Safiye Ali holds the title of being one of the first female doctors in Turkey. She actively participated in various social and educational organizations to encourage women’s access to education and healthcare services. She believed that women should receive education and have careers, and she worked tirelessly towards this goal, becoming a leading figure. Today, her contributions remain an important source of inspiration in efforts to improve women’s access to education and healthcare services in Turkey.
Nene Hatun
Nene Hatun is one of the important female heroes of the Turkish War of Independence. Known by her real name Halime Çavuş, Nene Hatun became a significant figure of her time with her courage and determination. During the 1877-1878 Ottoman-Russian War, when Erzurum was occupied by Russian forces, Nene Hatun, along with other women, took up arms and joined the front to defend her country.
One night, she left her home and, by hanging a red scarf on a stick, rallied the people of Erzurum against the Russian soldiers, becoming a symbol of resistance. Her courageous act earned her great respect and love among the Turkish people.
Women who left their mark in Turkish history.