Safiye Ali: The First Female Physician in Türkiye

Abstract

Safiye Ali, the first female physician licensed to practice in the Turkish Republic, was a pioneering doctor, women’s rights activist and political activist who played a significant role in advocating for women’s rights and social reform during the early republican period in Türkiye. As the first Turkish woman to practice medicine, she broke gender barriers and became a symbol of empowerment for women in Türkiye. Notably, she dedicated herself to improving women’s health and education, particularly through her volunteer work in social welfare institutions and educational efforts focused on modern childcare and nutrition methods. Her contributions to the Turkish Women’s Union and her involvement in the struggle for women’s voting rights underline her commitment to gender equality. Safiye Ali’s life and work provide a valuable historical perspective on the challenges faced by women in a conservative society during the early years of the Turkish Republic. Today, her legacy serves as an inspiration for those advocating for gender equality and women’s rights, emphasising the enduring relevance of her ideas in the ongoing pursuit of social justice and the role of women in medicine.