Born: 1889 (Kandilli, Istanbul)
Died: 1958
Biography:
Nezihe Muhiddin Tepedelengil (1889 – 10 February 1958) was a Turkish women’s rights activist, suffragette, journalist, writer, and political leader. In the 20th century Ottoman Empire, Nezihe Muhiddin was a pioneer of the women’s movement who fought to ensure the recognition of women’s political rights after the declaration of the republican regime. She became one of the leading names of the First Wave Republican feminists.
Even before the establishment of the Republican People’s Party, Nezihe Muhiddin completed the formation of the Women’s People’s Party (KHF) in 1923 and became the founder of the first political party in Turkey. She also served as the president of the Women’s Union between 1924 and 1927 and helped in the founding process of the journal named Turk Kadin Yolu.
Nezihe Muhiddin was born in Kandilli, Istanbul in 1889. She was the daughter of a prosecutor and criminal judge, Mr. Muhiddin. Despite not receiving higher education, she completed her education with lessons from private teachers. She studied Persian, Arabic, German, and French. From her early teenage years, she developed a strong interest in political and social issues, particularly those relating to women’s rights. Her cousin and her mother’s debates and discussions on literature and social problems shaped Muhiddin’s ideology. She credited her cousin, Nakiye Hanım, as an exemplary Turkish woman who had experienced the modern type of woman and influenced her thoughts greatly. Muhiddin chose to use her father’s surname, Muhiddin, in her literary works instead of the surname of her second husband.
Nezihe Muhiddin’s contributions extended beyond her activism. She was a prolific writer, penning 20 novels, 300 stories, playings, screenplays, and operettas. Her literary works focused on women’s problems and critiqued men’s attitudes in marriages. Her first novel, Şebâb-ı Tebah” (Disappearing Youth), was published in 1911, marking the beginning of her literary career. She also wrote articles in various magazines and newspapers.
Throughout her life, Nezihe Muhiddin worked ceaselessly to improve the quality of life for Turkish women. She founded the Women’s People’s Party (KHF) in July 1923, which aimed to advocate for the political and social rights of women. Although it was not officially recognized by the modern Turkish state due to the political situation at the time, KHF served as a platform for women’s rights activism. She later started the Turkish Women’s Union with Latife Bekir, continuing the fight for political equality. In 1927, the Union decided to promote a feminist male candidate to champion women’s rights in parliament, but the campaign was ultimately unsuccessful.
Nezihe Muhiddin’s tireless efforts and pioneering role in the women’s movement in Turkey paved the way for future generations of women to fight for their rights and establish a more equitable society. Her contributions as an activist, journalist, writer, and political leader have left an indelible mark on Turkish history and the advancement of women’s rights.
Awards:
– Nezihe Muhiddin received several prestigious awards for her outstanding contributions to women’s rights and literature in Turkey. However, specific details of these awards could not be found in the provided data.