The Turkish War of Independence, one of the most important struggles in Turkish history, was a period in which not only male soldiers but also women took part with great sacrifice. In particular, women who fought in the Turkish War of Independence became symbols of the independence struggle through the courage they displayed both on the front lines and behind them. Women who carried ammunition, treated wounded soldiers, took part directly in combat, and organized the public had a great share in winning the war.
The women who fought in the Turkish War of Independence, still studied today, are regarded among the important figures representing the Turkish nation’s spirit of independence.
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The Role of Women in the War of Independence
During the occupation years, women took on active duties in many regions of Anatolia. Since the army’s logistical resources were quite limited at the time, public support was of great importance. In this process, women who fought in the Turkish War of Independence were not limited to support roles alone; some took part directly in armed struggle.
Some of the duties undertaken by women were as follows:
- Carrying ammunition
- Caring for wounded soldiers
- Providing intelligence
- Organizing the public
- Fighting on the front lines
- Delivering food and clothing to soldiers
For this reason, women who fought in the Turkish War of Independence are regarded among the most important heroes of the independence struggle.
Kara Fatma
One of the best-known female heroes of the War of Independence is Kara Fatma. Her real name was Fatma Seher Erden, and Kara Fatma is one of the important figures who fought with the units she formed herself.
Meeting with Mustafa Kemal Pasha to request active service at the front, Kara Fatma quickly gathered a large group of volunteers. Taking an especially active role on the Western Front, Kara Fatma took part in many operations against enemy units.
Among the women who fought in the Turkish War of Independence, the reasons Kara Fatma stands out are as follows:
- Commanding an armed unit
- Taking part in active combat on the front lines
- Displaying great courage
- Encouraging the public to resist
After the war, Kara Fatma was awarded the Independence Medal.
Şerife Bacı
Another of the most important names that comes to mind when speaking of women who fought in the Turkish War of Independence is Şerife Bacı. She is known for the sacrifice she showed while carrying ammunition from Kastamonu to the front.
It is told that, during a period when winter conditions were extremely harsh, she covered the ammunition with her own blanket to protect it. Although she froze to death, the ammunition she carried reached the front undamaged.
Şerife Bacı’s story is considered one of the most important examples of:
- Self-sacrifice
- Love of the homeland
- The spirit of struggle
among the values that shaped that era.
Halide Edib Adıvar
Known primarily as a writer, Halide Edib Adıvar also undertook important duties during the years of the War of Independence. With her speech at the Sultanahmet Rally calling the public to resist, Halide Edib crossed over to Anatolia during the war and supported the national struggle.
Serving at the front, Halide Edib:
- Engaged in press activities
- Provided morale support
- Told the world about the national struggle
For this reason, among the women who fought in the Turkish War of Independence are not only those who waged armed struggle, but also those who fought a battle of ideas.
Gördesli Makbule
Gördesli Makbule is one of the female heroes who took part directly in armed struggle. Serving in the National Forces (Kuvayı Milliye) units together with her husband, Makbule Hanım fought against Greek forces.
Although she was martyred at a young age, she holds an important place in Turkish history due to the courage she showed. She took an especially active role in the resistance movements in Western Anatolia.
Among the women who fought in the Turkish War of Independence, the name Gördesli Makbule is remembered together with courage and struggle.
Tayyar Rahmiye
Known for her role in the resistance movements around Adana, Tayyar Rahmiye is one of the female heroes who fought against the French occupation.
It is told that when soldiers began to retreat on the front lines, she came forward and urged the units back into the attack. Because of her courage, she was given the title “Tayyar” (meaning “the daring one”).
Tayyar Rahmiye’s struggle:
- Strengthened public resistance
- Became a source of morale
- Increased the fighting spirit in the region
For this reason, she holds an important place among the women who fought in the Turkish War of Independence.
Corporal Nezahat
Present at the front while still a child, Corporal Nezahat is one of the notable figures of the War of Independence. Serving at the front together with her father, Nezahat became one of the symbolic figures who boosted the soldiers’ morale.
Because of her courage, she was given the rank of corporal. She is regarded among the important figures in Turkish history known as war heroes at a young age.
The Importance of Women in the War of Independence
The duties undertaken by women in the Turkish nation’s independence struggle were extremely significant. In particular, women who fought in the Turkish War of Independence earned a place in memory not only through military achievements but also through their sacrifices.
Women’s contributions to the struggle:
- Kept the front lines standing
- Strengthened logistical support
- Increased the public’s resilience
- Reinforced the spirit of national unity
For this reason, the role of women in winning the War of Independence is regarded as very significant.
Among the unforgotten heroes of Turkish history, women who fought in the Turkish War of Independence became one of the most important symbols of the independence struggle. From Kara Fatma to Şerife Bacı, from Gördesli Makbule to Tayyar Rahmiye, many women showed great sacrifice in defense of the homeland. Today, their struggle continues to be seen as one of the most powerful examples representing the Turkish nation’s spirit of independence.
