NEWS

International Panel of Wise Women of the Turkic World Held on International Women’s Day

Hosted by Istanbul Nisantasi University, the “International Panel of Wise Women of the Turkic World” was organized in collaboration with the Women and Family Studies Application and Research Center, Istanbul University-Cerrahpaşa, the Women Academicians Association, and the Umay Ana Union of Women of the Turkic World. The event was held with broad participation as part of the March 8 International Women’s Day Program.

 

The opening speech was delivered by Prof. Dr. Mualâ Uydu Yücel, Founding President of the Women Academicians Association and the Umay Ana Union of Women of the Turkic World. Emphasizing that women’s historical struggle for equality continues today, Yücel highlighted the association’s activities at universities and the importance of projects that increase the visibility of women’s contributions to cultural heritage. She also thanked everyone who contributed to the exhibition titled “Women in Turkish Folk Culture.”

 

Another opening speech was given by Prof. Dr. Göknur Akçadağ, Director of the Women and Family Studies Research Center at Istanbul Nisantasi University. Beginning by thanking Lecturer Özlem Özer Tuğal, curator of the exhibition “Women in Turkish Folk Clothing Culture,” Akçadağ emphasized that women have often been underrepresented throughout history and that historical narratives have long focused primarily on male figures.

 

She noted that developments over the last century have accelerated the inclusion of women’s experiences in historical scholarship and stressed the need for a more balanced understanding of history that recognizes the contributions of both women and men. Akçadağ also underlined that March 8 should serve not only as a celebration but also as a milestone in advancing the visibility and participation of women in society, and she extended her congratulations to al women on International Women’s Day.

 

Speaking on behalf of the university, Prof. Dr. Ayşegül Komsuoğlu Çıtıpıtıoğlu, Rector of Istanbul Nisantasi University, highlighted the significance of women’s contributions to society, art, and science and emphasized the importance of recognizing and celebrating these achievements.

 

Çıtıpıtıoğlu stated that the rich history of the Turkic world contains countless examples demonstrating the central role of women in society. She emphasized that Turkish culture is rooted in a tradition whr women and men work together to shape the future and recaled that, under the leadership of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, Turkish women gained the right to vote and be elected earlier than women in many other countries.

 

The Rector further noted that women have long maintained a strong presence in academia and reaffirmed the university’s commitment to supporting women academics and staff members.

 

Highlighting that women’s active participation in decision-making processes across science, art, politics, and economics is essential for building a sustainable society, Çıtıpıtıoğlu stated that strengthening women’s voices plays a critical role in creating a more equal and prosperous future. She concluded by emphasizing that sustainable development cannot be achieved without equal opportunities in education and wished al women a happy International Women’s Day while thanking al stakeholders who contributed to the event.

 

As part of the program, Prof. Dr. İrade Memmedova from the Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences delivered the opening address of the panel titled “Famous Women in Azerbaijani History.”

 

In her speech, Memmedova highlighted the many influential female figures of Azerbaijani history. She drew attention to the leadership qualities of Tomris Hatun, remembered as the first female ruler and a heroic commander. She also noted that the monument dedicated to Müminə Hatun in Azerbaijan stands as an important symbol of the country’s appreciation of women.

 

Memmedova further emphasized the role of women in Azerbaijan’s cultural and artistic heritage, noting that the renowned Azerbaijani poet Mehseti Gencevi is remembered not only as the country’s first female poet but also as its first known female chess player, composer, and distinguished musician.

 

The panel underlined that Azerbaijani women have played pioneering roles throughout history in fields ranging from politics and literature to science and the arts, and emphasized that their achievements continue to inspire women today.

 

Another session of the event, titled “Wise Women of the Turkic World,” explored the contributions of women throughout history in politics, arts, science, and literature.

 

The first session was chaired by Prof. Dr. Göknur Akçadağ. Presentations included “Women Leaders of Turkish History” by Prof. Dr. Mualâ Uydu Yücel, “The Golden Pen of Zira Naurızbay” by Dr. Aygül Şengün, and “Nadira Begim at the Intersection of Politics, Literature, and Family” by Assist. Prof. Dr. Zebunısa Kamalova.

 

The second session was chaired by Dr. Nimet Elif Uluğ. Speakers included Assoc. Prof. Dr. Reyila Kaşgarli with “Pioneers of Uyghur Musical Arts from Past to Present: Amanisa Hanım and Şehide Hanım”, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Kamelya Tekne with “A Legacy Extending from Crimea to Türkiye: Şefika Gaspıralı”, and Refika Muhammedgil with “Leading Women of the Ahiska Turks.”

 

The event provided a valuable platform for highlighting the achievements of women across the Turkic world and emphasized their significant contributions to science, culture, literature, politics, and social development. It also reinforced the importance of preserving and promoting women’s historical legacy for future generations.