Who is Safiye Hüseyin Elbi?

Safiye Hüseyin Elbi is recognized as the first Turkish nurse educated in the modern sense. Although there were nurses in the Ottoman period who cared for the wounded and sick, these individuals were typically volunteers.

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Safiye Hüseyin Elbi, however, received nursing education abroad and worked according to international standards, serving on battlefronts and hospital ships. Her life is the story of both self-sacrifice and the beginning of modern nursing in Türkiye.

🏡Birth and Childhood

Safiye Hüseyin Elbi was born in Istanbul in 1882. Because her father served in the Ottoman Navy, she became familiar with seafaring and different cultures at an early age. Her childhood passed amid the bustling streets of Istanbul. Young Safiye was deeply curious about learning.

📖Educational Journey

Safiye Hüseyin received a strong education. She learned English and spent time abroad, which allowed her to develop her foreign language skills and acquire modern nursing knowledge. At that time, such an education was especially valuable for women.

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💉How Did She Begin Nursing?

When the First World War began, Safiye Hüseyin joined the Hilâl-i Ahmer Cemiyeti (today’s Red Crescent). She volunteered to care for wounded soldiers, working in hospitals and hospital ships during the Balkan Wars and the Gallipoli Campaign.

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⚔️Her Work on the Frontlines and During War

During the First World War, Safiye Hüseyin served aboard the hospital ship named “Reşit Paşa” at Gallipoli. There, she dressed the wounds of injured soldiers and provided them with moral support. Working on the frontlines was extremely difficult, but Safiye Hüseyin Elbi never gave up. She even worked in foreign hospitals during the evacuation of the wounded.

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🌟Achievements and Awards

After the war, Safiye Hüseyin led efforts to establish recognition for the nursing profession in Türkiye. She worked to advance modern nursing education and represented Türkiye at international conferences. She received numerous awards during and after her service.

🎖️The Ottoman State awarded her the War Medal.

🎖️She received the British Red Cross Medal from England.

🎖️France honored her with the Medal of Service.

She was respected both in her homeland and around the world for her services.

🌹Death and Burial

Safiye Hüseyin Elbi passed away in 1964. She was buried in the Zincirlikuyu Cemetery in Istanbul. She left behind a life filled with self-sacrifice, courage, and kindness. Her story continues to inspire everyone who wishes to dedicate themselves to the nursing profession.

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