We tell about great women who, in different eras, made significant contributions to the development of Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, and Tajikistan.
Azerbaijan
The first female diplomat in the East, the mother of one of the rulers of the Aq Qoyunlu state. She conducted negotiations with the Ottoman Empire and the Timurid state, and her activity shaped the further geopolitical development of the region.
Khurshidbanu Natavan
A famous poetess and enlightener, the daughter of the last Khan of Karabakh. Natavan made a huge contribution to the cultural and literary heritage of Azerbaijan, describing in her poetry not only personal experiences but also important social issues.
Khadija Alibekova
Editor of the first women’s magazine in the Azerbaijani language, Ishig. She advocated for women’s rights and access to education and also contributed to the development of the Azerbaijani intelligentsia.
Gamar Almaszadeh
The first ballerina of Azerbaijan. She performed leading roles in classical and national ballets and established the country’s professional ballet school.
Shovket Mamedova
The first Azerbaijani opera singer. Shovket Mamedova glorified national artistic heritage on the world’s best stages and became a teacher and mentor to many talented vocalists.
Sona Velikhan
The first Azerbaijani woman to receive the title of Doctor of Medical Sciences. She made a great contribution to the development of ophthalmology in the country and to providing equal opportunities for women and men in medicine.
Hanifa Abaeva-Melikova
One of the first women in the Caucasus to receive a secular education and one of the first female teachers in Azerbaijan. She greatly influenced the development of women’s education, promoted the movement to remove the veil in Azerbaijan, and engaged in charity.
Shafiga Akhundova
Composer, the first woman in the East to write an opera. Her work largely shaped the development of Azerbaijani music and culture in the 20th century.
Kazakhstan
Alma Orazbayeva
Educator and social activist. Alma was one of the first Kazakh women who actively fought for women’s rights. She worked to provide education for girls from rural areas.
Gulsum Asfendiyarova
The first Kazakh woman doctor with higher education, who made a huge contribution to the development of medicine in Central Asia. She was not only an outstanding physician but also a teacher — Gulsum opened the first private maternity home in the region and taught obstetric courses for women.
Nazipa Kulzhanova
The first Kazakh woman journalist and a teacher. She actively defended women’s rights, wrote about pressing social issues, and depicted the lives of Kazakh women.
Kyrgyzstan
Kurmanjan Datka
A celebrated Kyrgyz ruler, known as the “Queen of Alai.” Possessing wisdom and remarkable leadership qualities, she led the Alai people after the death of her husband, Alimbek Datka, and became the first woman to be awarded the title “Datka” — equivalent to the military rank of general. Her authority was recognized by many neighboring khanates. Kurmanjan Datka skillfully combined diplomacy and strength, defending her people’s autonomy and maintaining justice.
Bubusara Beishenalieva
A legendary Kyrgyz ballerina who became a symbol of the national stage. She was the first to bring Kyrgyz ballet art to international fame, and her name is forever linked with the development of classical ballet in Kyrgyzstan. Today, the country’s main theater bears her name.
Urkuya Salieva
A social activist and the first woman in Kyrgyzstan to become a kolkhoz chairperson. Her efforts greatly contributed to eradicating illiteracy and establishing equal political opportunities for both men and women.
Nurkamal Zhetikashkaeva
A well-known poetess with a difficult fate who significantly influenced the development of literature and culture in Kyrgyzstan in the 20th century.
Tattibubu Tursunbaeva
One of the brightest and most beloved actresses of Kyrgyz cinema and theater. Tattibubu became a symbol of femininity and talent of her era — her roles in iconic films touched the hearts of millions. She embodied complex and heartfelt characters, revealing the strength and inner beauty of Kyrgyz women. Decades later, her art remains a landmark in Kyrgyz cultural history.
Dinara Asanova
An outstanding Kyrgyz film director whose works became an important chapter in the history of Soviet cinema. Dinara Asanova gained recognition for her courage in choosing themes and her sincere portrayal of the lives of teenagers and young people.
Zuura Sooronbaeva
The first Kyrgyz woman writer to be awarded the title of People’s Writer of the Kyrgyz Republic. Her works, such as A Stranger, Andrey, The Orphans, The White-Haired Woman, and others, remain relevant and beloved. They reflect deep human values and serve as an important contribution to Kyrgyz literature.
Uzbekistan
Uvaisi
A poetess, one of the first female writers in Central Asia. In her lyrical works, she explored themes of love, spirituality, and justice. Uvaisi’s creativity became a key step in the development of women’s poetry in the region.
Nozimakhon
A journalist and the first Uzbek woman publicist who greatly influenced the struggle for women’s rights in the region. Through her work, she promoted women’s right to education and participation in social life.
Zulfiya Umidova
Doctor of Medical Sciences, one of the first Uzbek women physicians. Zulfiya made a great contribution to the development of cardiology in Central Asia and to medical education in Uzbekistan.
Sobira Kholdarova
Sobira Kholdarova became the first woman from Uzbekistan to receive higher education in journalism. Working in the editorial offices of several newspapers and magazines, she raised pressing social issues and, despite early repression and exile, managed to leave a lasting mark on the country’s journalism.
Tajikistan
Malika Sabirova
An outstanding ballerina who glorified Tajikistan and the USSR on the world’s greatest stages. She also made a significant contribution to the development of the ballet school in Tajikistan in the last century.
Sofia Khakimova
Sofia Khakimova went down in history as the first woman from Tajikistan to receive a Doctor of Medical Sciences degree. In addition to her professional achievements, she became known for modernizing and advancing obstetric and gynecological healthcare in the country.
Turkmenistan
Sabira Ataeva
A great theater and film actress who had a major influence on the development of Turkmen culture in the 20th century.
An opera singer who became the first Turkmen performer of the European opera repertoire. She was remembered for her powerful voice and artistry and played a key role in the advancement of opera in Turkmenistan.