Profiles of Influential Afghan Women – 5
Researcher: Qawm-Shahi
Overall Vision
The Afghan Women’s Voice publication seeks to tell the stories of women who are leaders of change through its« Profiles of Influential Afghan Women» series. In highlighting these profiles, two things are important to the publication: women who have brought change to their own lives and separated themselves from the forces of reaction and women who have played or continue to play a role in influencing changes in society.
We are not seeking to praise, create myths around, or turn Afghan women into legends. We reject baseless hero-making. At the same time, our criteria are not based on ideological, political, or racial affiliations, nor on particular beliefs or ideas. We highlight the profiles of influential women for two main reasons: first, to provide role models؛ and second, to show that Afghan women have a place as leaders of change, not in the« corner of the home» the place that the Taliban have planned for women.
In this issue of the« Profiles of Influential Afghan Women» series, we speak about a woman who took up a program of change in Afghanistan while she was at the center of power. However, in the end, she died far from the center of power and even far from Afghanistan. She was Queen Soraya Tarzi, the wife of King Amanullah Khan and the daughter of Mahmoud Tarzi. She was one of the first Afghan women who became leaders of change.
Political and Cultural Record
Queen Soraya Tarzi is a prominent figure in the history of women’s reforms in modern Afghanistan. She was someone who brought reforms related to women from the highest levels of government and political power to the wider public. Historical studies consider Queen Soraya one of the first women to work publicly toward achieving equality and women’s education.
She was the wife of the King. Her actions had a significant impact. Some sources state that Queen Soraya believed that the strength of a society begins at home, and that a home is strong when its women are educated, aware and thoughtful.
Establishment of a Dedicated Girls’ School
It was the year 1300 in the Solar Hijri calendar. Until 1300, women’s education in Afghanistan was very limited, and girls were educated at home and in informal settings. In that same year, a remarkable event took place: with the support and efforts of Queen Soraya Tarzi, the foundation stone of a modern girls’ school called« Masturat» was laid in Kabul.
This foundation stone marked a major change in the educational landscape of Afghanistan. Queen Soraya Tarzi was one of the most important supporters of girls’ education and played a role in establishing and expanding girls’ schools. Alongside Queen Soraya’s efforts to establish the Masturat girls’ school, some sources also mention Asma Rasmia Tarzi, the wife of Mahmoud Tarzi and Ruh-Afza, Mahmoud Tarzi’s niece. These women played a role in establishing Kabul’s first girls’ school,« Masturat» which was renamed Malalai High School in 1321 in the Solar Hijri calendar.
The step Queen Soraya Tarzi took 105 years ago to create an educational space for girls and women by laying the foundation stone of the Masturat girls’ school was a major step forward. Yet, after 105 years, girls’ education suddenly went backwards. In 1400 in the Solar Hijri calendar, the Taliban took control of Afghanistan and pushed the educational environment for girls and women back to where it was 105 years ago.
It was a 105-year setback and a return deep into history. This is truly horrifying. It is difficult to imagine that after 100 years, Afghanistan could suddenly move backwards into history.
At the same time that modern education for women in Afghanistan began with the laying of the foundation stone of the Masturat girls’ school in Kabul, in some parts of the world, girls’ education had already moved beyond primary school to secondary school and university.
However, in 1400 in the Solar Hijri calendar, when the Taliban took control of Afghanistan, they pushed girls’ education back to square one. This is a tragedy for Afghanistan and for the world.
Taking Afghanistan back to the very end of history has not only had devastating consequences for Afghanistan and affected Afghan women؛ it also affects the world as a whole. The world is an interconnected and unified system, where any change in one part of the whole affects its other parts as well. Therefore, responding to the policies of the Taliban and the Islamic Emirate under Mullah Hibatullah is not only the responsibility of Afghan women or Afghan society؛ the international community also shares responsibility for addressing it.
In any case, the establishment of the Masturat girls’ school was a historical turning point in Afghanistan. One of the results of this school was that in 1307, a group of girls who had graduated from Masturat School were sent to Turkey to continue their education. Some sources mention that there were 15 girls, while others give the number as 16.
Establishment of a Dedicated Women’s Hospital
One of Queen Soraya Tarzi’s initiatives during the reign of King Amanullah Khan was the establishment of a hospital called« Masturat» For the first time, Afghan women could receive treatment in a modern medical center, cared for by female medical staff and for women’s medical needs. In 1357 in the Solar Hijri calendar, Masturat Hospital was renamed« Maiwand Hospital» The hospital is still standing today.
Queen Soraya’s initiative to establish Masturat Hospital, now known as Maiwand Hospital, was based on a clear vision. Her vision was for Afghan women to have access to doctors and employment and to become doctors and midwives themselves. The establishment of Masturat Hospital was one of the most important steps toward making this vision a reality.
In any case, Queen Soraya played an important role in establishing Masturat Hospital. Alongside her, Sahira Begum, known as« Siraj-ul-Banat» the sister of King Amanullah, can also be mentioned for her role in the early management of Masturat Hospital.
Masturat Hospital was a place where midwifery courses, a midwifery school and a dental training course were later established. Efforts were made there to train Afghan women themselves in medicine, midwifery and health services. This was very different from the current period under the Taliban’s Islamic Emirate, when women have been removed from all levels of healthcare and treatment and confined to their homes.
In any case, all the details surrounding the establishment of Masturat School and the Masturat women’s hospital carry an important message: Queen Soraya’s role in these projects was not merely symbolic. At the very least, her supervision and support played a direct role in these valuable projects.
Therefore, Queen Soraya can be considered one of the important female figures in the contemporary history of Afghanistan and one of its leaders of change. Through her innovative efforts to modernize girls’ education and healthcare for Afghan women, she carried out historic and remarkable work.
Sending Girls Abroad for Education
Queen Soraya Tarzi’s support for sending girls who had graduated from Masturat School abroad for further education is also remembered. According to one historical account, when the girls were being sent to Turkey, King Amanullah and Queen Soraya were present to see them off. Queen Soraya then instructed the Afghan ambassador in Turkey to take serious responsibility for the girls and ensure their proper care, as some of them were under 14 years old.
Afghanistan’s history is full of ironic stories! For example, in 1307 in the Solar Hijri calendar, the King and Queen saw off the girls who were being sent abroad for education. Yet, in 1400, Mullah Hibatullah Akhundzada, the leader of the Taliban’s Islamic Emirate, banned women and girls from all domestic and international travel while also denying them any right to education. It is an absurd contrast that may not be found in any historical record anywhere in the world.
Fighting Women’s Illiteracy
Queen Soraya Tarzi considered women’s education essential for the progress of society. She spoke about women’s education in speeches and public activities. In short, Queen Soraya was one of the pioneers of the movement for women’s education and awakening in Afghanistan at the beginning of the twentieth century.
Of course, although the driving force behind King Amanullah’s reforms and innovations was brought to a halt by the plots of conservative thinkers and religious and sectarian merchants, if the government of King Amanullah had remained in power, Queen Soraya Tarzi’s activities might have led to significant achievements in terms of social development and strengthening women’s rights.
Mir Ghulam Mohammad Ghobar recounts what he witnessed himself: one day, Queen Soraya spoke at a gathering about the progress of women around the world and the backwardness of Afghan women. The women wept in pain. At that same gathering, 50 women volunteered to serve education and help establish the first girls’ school.Queen Soraya was so deeply moved that she personally took responsibility for inspecting Masturat School.
Promoting Women’s Presence in Public Life
Queen Soraya Tarzi started the changes with herself. This approach is admirable: changing oneself. It was 1307 in the Solar Hijri calendar. The Loya Jirga, or assembly of Afghanistan’s elders, was being held in Paghman, Kabul. Queen Soraya Tarzi appeared at the Loya Jirga without covering her face.
The representatives of the people were faced with a completely unfamiliar situation. However, through this historic and modern act, Queen Soraya wrote the first lesson of change in the bright pages of history:« voluntary veiling» instead of compulsory veiling. Queen Soraya’s action created a framework for a policy to end compulsory veiling in Afghanistan.
Queen Soraya Tarzi also received women intellectuals from Kandahar at the Loya Jirga in Kabul. She spoke with them and drew their attention to the changes and the new way of life in the country.
Therefore, the difference between Queen Soraya Tarzi’s approach in this regard and that of today’s Afghan civil activists, who claim to be intellectuals and speak about modernizing society while still trapped in their own narrow and conservative thinking, is like the difference between the earth and the sky.
If, over the past 20 years, women who worked on projects as civil activists have not been able to make an impact on society, it is because they did not start the change with themselves. This was what Queen Soraya did: she brought change to her own personal and private behavior.
In any case, Queen Soraya appeared in public contrary to the dominant social customs and norms of that time. In this way, she created a new model for the presence of Afghan women in society. Therefore, one of Queen Soraya Tarzi’s best qualities was her struggle against the social isolation of women. She took part in very formal ceremonies, educational programs and some government activities.
Through this, she wanted to show women that women’s social participation should be promoted. An action like Queen Soraya’s cannot be found during the 20-year period of the republican government, from 2001 to 1400 in the Solar Hijri calendar. This is not to mention that, under the Taliban’s Islamic Emirate, women have been excluded from all political, cultural, economic and military spheres, as well as from the benefits of their rights as citizens.
The issue of the chador and clothing based on Afghan social customs was one of the most controversial topics at that time. In any case, Queen Soraya Tarzi was a woman who, within a society dominated by a patriarchal culture, challenged the established social order. Let us turn the pages of history: the courage and boldness of this woman remain an example for Afghan women throughout all historical periods, including today and the future.
Although Queen Soraya’s courageous actions became a target for narrow-minded and conservative people, causing them to stir up the public and lead an uprising against the modern reforms of that time, her courage, bravery and boldness remain part of the golden chapters of courage and perseverance in the history of Afghan women.
Ershad al-Niswan Publication
On 27 Hoot 1299, 105 years ago in the Solar Hijri calendar, a rare event took place in Afghanistan: the establishment of the women’s publication« Ershad al-Niswan». This publication, launched with the support and efforts of Queen Soraya Tarzi, was an explosion in the male-dominated press of Afghanistan at that time.
In other words, alongside the press of the so-called« Amani period» which served as a means of expanding literacy, promoting reforms and raising public awareness, but was also under strict government control, the establishment of« Ershad al-Niswan »suddenly broke the entirely male-dominated space of the Afghan press. In such an environment, the publication of a magazine dedicated specifically to women was far from a small event. With the help of this publication, Afghan women entered the world of content production and press management for the first time, not only as readers but also as active participants.
The Ershad al-Niswan publication was a weekly publication. It was printed in Nastaliq script using lithographic printing. Asma Rasmia Tarzi was the managing editor, while Ruh-Afza was the editor-in-chief and editorial manager. However, the main supporter and driving force behind the establishment of the publication was Queen Soraya Tarzi. The publication was issued for Afghan women and girls as its target audience.
It is important to note that this publication was truly a« women’s publication». In fact, the purpose of publishing it was to educate women, raise awareness, and improve the situation of Afghan women and its main audience was women. The content published in it was also entirely focused on women’s issues, including the education of women and girls, women’s rights and freedoms, the lives and achievements of women, child-rearing, health and hygiene, housekeeping, cooking and sewing, social customs, social and political issues, and domestic and international news.A publication that was being published in Afghanistan 105 years ago cannot be compared with the content produced by today’s publications or those of the 20-year republican period. Rather, it was much better, more diverse and more relevant to the needs of its readers.
Historic Travels
In addition to appearing in public with freedom of dress and freedom of choice, Queen Soraya Tarzi also undertook a continuous six-month journey with her husband, Amanullah Khan. The journey began on 19 Qaws 1306 and ended in Jawza 1307, following official visits to Iran, Turkey, the Soviet Union, Britain, Germany, France, Italy, Egypt and India.
This journey opened Queen Soraya’s mind and filled it with ideas for the development and progress of the country. She returned home carrying a wealth of experiences and observations. Based on what she had seen and witnessed, she developed her dreams for changing and modernizing society.
Building Women’s Organizations
With the support of her husband, Amanullah Khan, Queen Soraya took extensive steps toward the modernization of Afghanistan, some of which specifically focused on the issues facing Afghan women. Among these efforts, she established the “Women’s Support Association” in Afghanistan to support the development of women’s human potential. It was the first official women’s organization in Afghanistan.
This organization was established in 1306 in the Solar Hijri calendar. It was an institution created within its framework to promote modernization and social reforms. The purpose of these activities was to support the Amani government’s policy of liberating women.
Issues such as promoting women’s freedom, banning forced marriage, banning child marriage, preventing the sale of girls for marriage, encouraging women to pursue education, preparing women to enter professional careers, promoting the removal of the veil and gender segregation, addressing injustices committed by husbands against women, providing education in literacy, sewing, and household skills, and other issues related to women.
This organization, like the other institutions mentioned above, was entirely run by women and for women. For example, Kubra, Amanullah’s sister, served as the head of the association. The association was managed by 12 women from Kabul.
Modernization efforts in Afghanistan have always been checkmated in the chess game of political changes. The Women’s Support Association was also dissolved after the fall of the Amani government and the rise of Habibullah Kalakani to power. In the same way, in 1400 in the Solar Hijri calendar, 100 years later, after the Taliban took control of Kabul, the« Ministry of Women’s Affairs» was dissolved by the Taliban.
History in Afghanistan always repeats itself؛ and in this repetition, it always moves backward. For example, when Habibullah Kalakani came to power on 28 Jadi 1307, the publication of Ershad al-Niswan was also shut down, girls’ schools were closed, and the girls who had been sent abroad for education were brought back to Kabul. Compulsory veiling and gender segregation were reintroduced. These were measures that were imposed by the Taliban in Afghanistan in 1400 in the Solar Hijri calendar.
Women’s publications were shut down. Women journalists and managers of print, broadcast, and digital media were forced to stay at home. Girls’ schools were closed and gender segregation was imposed.
Although the « Women’s Support Association » existed for only a short time, it showed how Queen Soraya Tarzi supported activities related to women’s welfare and rights, and how she established the« Women’s Support Association »to develop organizational skills, with the aim of supporting women and raising awareness. Establishing such an organization at a time when society was largely rural and closed was a very innovative and new initiative. However, after several decades, the situation of support for women took an even more alarming step backward. This is because, in today’s world of progress, the Taliban’s Islamic Emirate has taken a completely opposite position؛ that is, it has excluded women from society as a whole.
These back-and-forths and historical experiences have kept Afghanistan in the grip of the monster of backwardness. The modernization efforts of Amanullah Khan and Queen Soraya Tarzi failed with the fall of the Amani government. In the same way, the modernization efforts of the republican government, which came to power with the support of the international community, were destroyed when it fell into the hands of the Taliban, and the country returned to the period before 1300 in the Solar Hijri calendar.
Personal Biography
The year was 1278 in the Solar Hijri calendar, during the rule of Amir Abdul Rahman Khan, a centralized, conservative and bloodthirsty government in a traditional society. On 3 Qaws of that year, Soraya Tarzi was born in the city of Damascus, Syria, which was then part of the Ottoman Empire. She was the daughter of Mahmoud Tarzi, a prominent intellectual and journalist who supported reforms.
The reason she was born outside the country goes back to the story of her father’s exile by Abdul Rahman Khan. Mahmoud Tarzi, Soraya’s father, was one of the important intellectuals and writers of that time. During political disagreements with Abdul Rahman Khan, he exiled Mahmoud Tarzi and his family to what is now Turkey, which was then part of the Ottoman Empire.
Years passed. After Amir Habibullah Khan came to power, Mahmoud Tarzi was released from exile. Mahmoud Tarzi and his family returned to Afghanistan in Jadi 1283 in the Solar Hijri calendar and settled in Kabul. At that time, Soraya was a young girl.
The year was 1292 in the Solar Hijri calendar. Amanullah was still young and had not yet become king; he was a prince. On 8 Sunbula of that year, Soraya Tarzi, who was 13 years and 9 months old, married Amanullah in Qawm-Bagh Palace in Kabul.
Five years later, Amanullah ascended to the throne. In 1297 in the Solar Hijri calendar, at the same time as Afghanistan gained independence in its foreign relations, Soraya Tarzi became the Queen and First Lady of Afghanistan.
Alongside her husband, Amanullah Khan, she worked to bring Afghanistan into an era of modern education, social and civil freedoms, reforms, and women’s rights. It was her marriage to Amanullah Khan, together with their shared reformist spirit, that placed Soraya Tarzi at the center of Afghanistan’s political changes.
At the very least, Queen Soraya Tarzi’s most important legacy was that women’s education, social activities, and participation became part of the official discourse and language of the Afghan government. This was exactly the opposite of the period of the Taliban’s Islamic Emirate, when issues and topics related to women have been completely removed from the official discourse and language of the Taliban’s Islamic Emirate. It is as if women are treated like spoils of war, or even placed in a position far below that.
And Finally
And finally, Queen Soraya Tarzi’s dreams of change did not come to fruition. The engine of reform and Amanullah Khan’s government was brought to a halt by the strong opposition of reactionary and traditionalist groups, and the Amani government fell on 25 Jadi 1307.
To prevent a civil war, Amanullah stepped down from the throne. He then left the country with his family. First, they went to what is now Pakistan, which was then part of British India. Later, following an invitation from the Italian government, they moved to Rome, where they began their life in exile.
Queen Soraya died on 31 Hamal 1347 in the Solar Hijri calendar, at the age of 68, in the city of Rome. Her body was transferred to Afghanistan with official ceremonies and buried in her family mausoleum in Jalalabad, alongside her husband, Amanullah Khan.
