Muslim Women: Past and Present

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Throughout the ages, from the earliest days of Islam to contemporary times today, Muslim women have been and continue to be active leaders in their communities and countries across the world. This directory is a growing archive of leading Muslim women scholars, activists, writers, politicians, artists, religious and spiritual leaders, civil society leaders and more. Please contribute to this archive by suggesting Muslim women to be featured through our recommendation form.

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Tansu Ciller

Nobody can resist a ripe idea. The idea today is change.

Istanbul Journal; Turks Espouse Change (She Has a ‘Smile of Steel’)

photo of Tansu Ciller Photo credit: Murad Sezer/AP Images

Known For: Prime Minister of Turkey, 1993-1996
Dates: Hijri 1365 – Present (AH)
Common Era 1946 – Present (CE)
Country: Turkey

About

In 1993, Tansu Ciller became the first female leader of a Middle Eastern Muslim country. 

She was educated in both Turkey and the United States, earning her doctorate in economics from the University of Connecticut. In 1990, she left her career as a professor and entered politics, joining the True Path Party. In 1991 she was elected deputy of Istanbul and Minister of State for Economics within the coalition government of Süleyman Demirel.

In 1993, she was elected the head of the True Path Party and Prime Minister of the coalition government.  During this time, she was credited with transforming Turkey’s army into a modern fighting force that could effectively handle the threat faced from the Kurdish separatist group, the PKK. She also attempted to liberalize Turkey’s economy and increase individual rights for its citizens. In 1996, the coalition government collapsed, terminating Tansu’s term as Prime Minister. However, she continued to serve in government as Minister of Foreign Affairs until 1997.

She retired from politics in 2002 and is currently a member of The Council of Women World Leaders.

Sources

Tansu Ciller – Prime Minister, Turkey 1993-1996

Tansu Ciller: Turkish Politician 

Turkey

More Information

Times Topic: Tansu Ciller

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This search feature will enable you to find Muslim women leaders by entering the keyword(s) of your choice. If you cannot find a particular woman that you are looking for, please let us know by completing our “Recommend Muslim Women” form and check the site again in the near future as we actively expand this section of the portal with your suggestions.