Born: 2 February 1894 (Istanbul, Turkey)
Died: 5 July 1952
Biography:
Safiye Ali (2 February 1894 – 5 July 1952), also known as Hatice Safiye Ali, was a remarkable Turkish physician and the second female doctor of the Republic of Turkey. Born in Istanbul, she made invaluable contributions to the medical field throughout her life. Known for her dedication and pioneering spirit, Safiye Ali treated soldiers during the Balkan Wars, World War I, and the Turkish War of Independence, leaving an indelible impact on the lives of many.
Safiye Ali’s journey into medicine began with her education at Robert College in Istanbul. After graduating from Arnavutköy American College for Girls in 1916, she was sent to the University of Würzburg in Germany. Although initially facing obstacles from the Bavarian Ministry of Education due to her American College background, she overcame these challenges and successfully completed her studies, writing her thesis on Über Pachymeningitis haemorrhagica interna im Säuglingsalter (Internal Hemorrhagic Pachymeningitis in Infants). In 1921, she earned her medical degree and returned to Istanbul.
In June 1923, Safiye Ali proudly obtained her license as the first female doctor in Turkey. She opened her first medical practice in Cağaloğlu and, like her male colleagues, advertised her services in newspapers. However, being a female physician in a male-dominated field presented numerous obstacles. Initially, she struggled to gain trust from wealthy women who doubted her capabilities due to her gender. Meanwhile, poor women sought her services but often couldn’t afford to pay the full visit fee. Despite these challenges, Safiye Ali remained determined to fight for equal pay for equal work, charging the same fees as her male counterparts and making exceptions for those unable to pay.
Safiye Ali’s impact extended beyond her medical practice. She became the first female lecturer to teach medicine to girls, providing lessons in gynecology and obstetrics at the first girls’ medical school established within the American College. Her dedication to education and empowering future generations of women in medicine became a hallmark of her career.
Throughout her life, Safiye Ali conducted important research on the welfare of mothers and infants, contributing to the advancement of medical knowledge. Her commitment to improving healthcare and her pioneering efforts earned her a place in history as the first woman to teach medicine and make a significant impact on women’s health in Turkey.