Turkish Pioneer: Belkıs Şevket - The First Woman to Fly in Turkey's Skies
In the year 1913, Belkıs Şevket Hanım made history as the first Turkish woman to take to the skies in an airplane. This pioneering flight marked a significant milestone in the history of Turkish aviation and women's rights [1][2][3].
The flight took place on December 13, 1913, over the skies of Istanbul. Belkıs Şevket Hanım flew on a Deperdussin type plane, named "Ottoman", which was piloted by First Lieutenant Fethi Bey [4][5]. The flight route included Şişli, Hürriyet Monument, Üsküdar, and Kadıköy, and lasted approximately 15 minutes [6][7].
The journey was not without preparation. Belkıs Şevket Hanım requested Süreyya Bey, the husband of Mesadet Bedirhen, to ask the director of the Aircraft School for permission to fly. This request was granted by the First Corps Commander, Cemal Mersinli [8].
The flight was a result of the efforts of the "Kadınların Haklarını Savunma Derneği" (Association for the Defense of Women's Rights), which was founded in Istanbul in 1913. The association aimed to make the voice of Turkish women heard and to collect aid for a plane for the Turkish Army [9].
Following Belkıs Şevket Hanım's flight, many taboos such as women flying and being pilots were broken. This event opened doors for women to pursue careers in aviation [10].
In recognition of her achievement, photographs of Belkıs Şevket Hanım's flight were exhibited in the military museum [11]. Belkıs Şevket Hanım was also an active member and writer of the association's magazine, "Kadınlar Dünyası" (Women's World) [12].
Interestingly, a newly released cologne at that time was named "Belkıs Cologne Water", a testament to the impact of her flight [13]. Belkıs Şevket Hanım's flight remains a significant event in the history of Turkish aviation and women's rights.
In the pursuit of breaking taboos, Belkıs Şevket Hanım's flight marked a turning point for women's careers in aviation, demonstrating the potential fusion between aviation pioneers and technology. The Association for the Defense of Women's Rights, driven by the importance of making Turkish women's voices heard, successfully advocated for the integration of women in the field of aviation & technology.
