Born: 1910 (Istanbul, Turkey)
Biography:
Hatice Nüzhet Gökdoğan, born on August 14, 1910, in Istanbul, Turkey, was a remarkable figure in the fields of astronomy, mathematics, and academia. From her early years, Gökdoğan displayed an exceptional aptitude for mathematics and a keen interest in astronomy. She pursued these passions with determination, eventually establishing herself as a trailblazer for women in her field.
Gökdoğan’s academic journey began when, as a teenager, she was awarded a scholarship to study in France. She enrolled at the University of Lyon, where she completed her undergraduate degree in mathematics in 1932. Driven by her fascination with the cosmos, she then took up physics at the University of Paris and earned a Diplome d’Etudes Superieures. Additionally, she gained valuable experience through an internship at the prestigious Paris Observatory.
Returning to Turkey in 1934, Gökdoğan faced adversity when her application to work at the Kandilli Observatory was rejected on the basis of gender discrimination. Undeterred, she joined Istanbul University as a faculty member in the Astronomy Department, becoming the first woman to be appointed to the school’s faculty of science. In 1937, she achieved a significant milestone by completing her Ph.D., submitting a groundbreaking dissertation entitled Contribution aux recherches sur l’existence d’une matière obscure interstellaire homogène autour du soleil (Contribution to research on the existence of homogeneous interstellar dark matter around the sun). This thesis marked the first doctoral dissertation in the faculty of science at Istanbul University.
Gökdoğan’s career continued to flourish, and in 1948, she was promoted to a full professor at Istanbul University. Around the same time, she co-founded the Turkish Mathematical Society, further enhancing her reputation as a distinguished mathematician. In the early 1950s, Gökdoğan served as the president of the Turkish Union of Soroptimists, demonstrating her commitment to empowering women and advocating for gender equality.
In 1954, Gökdoğan achieved another groundbreaking milestone when she was elected as the Dean of Istanbul University’s Faculty of Science. With this appointment, she became the first Turkish woman to serve as a university dean, paving the way for future generations of women in academia. Furthermore, she played a key role in providing mentorship and guidance to young female scholars, inspiring them to pursue their passions without limitations.
Throughout her career, Gökdoğan was dedicated to fostering collaboration and knowledge-sharing among astronomers, both nationally and internationally. In 1954, she co-founded the Turkish Astronomy Association and served as its president for two decades. Her tireless efforts led to significant advancements in the field of astronomy in Turkey, greatly expanding the capacity of the astronomy department at Istanbul University.
Gökdoğan’s impact extended beyond her contributions to academia. She co-founded the Turkish University Women’s Association, an organization committed to promoting the rights and empowerment of women in higher education. Her work as Turkey’s first national representative at the International Astronomical Union (IAU) solidified her legacy as the country’s first female astronomer.
Nüzhet Gökdoğan’s dedication, perseverance, and groundbreaking achievements in the fields of astronomy, mathematics, and academia make her an enduring inspiration. Her pioneering role as a female astronomer in Turkey, along with her efforts to promote gender equality and collaboration, have left an indelible mark on society. Her legacy serves as a reminder of the limitless potential of women in science and the importance of breaking down barriers for future generations.