Sabiha Gökçen

First female combat pilot in the world who broke gender barriers in military aviation

Sabiha Gökçen (1913–2001) stands as a pioneer of gender equality in 20th-century military history. Adopted by Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder of modern Turkey, she became the world's first female combat pilot in 1937. Her participation in the Dersim Rebellion marked a radical departure from traditional gender roles in Turkey and the Islamic world.

Gökçen's legacy extends beyond aviation. She trained female pilots at the Turkish Aeronautical Association, advocating for women's participation in STEM fields. Her 1996 appearance on a Turkish banknote solidified her status as a national icon of progress.

What makes Gökçen truly make a difference was her dual role as both a military trailblazer and social reformer during Turkey's modernization push. She challenged stereotypes through 32 hours of combat missions while inspiring generations of Turkish women to pursue non-traditional careers.