Today in History – 6 February

Mevhibe İnönü supports Turkish Philanthropic Association

Mevhibe İnönü was among the cofounders of Yardımsevenler Derneği (Turkish Philanthropic Association), which held its first meeting in 1926 to remedy the poverty caused by the devastation of wars. Mevhibe Hanım was personally overseeing the distribution of the clothes manufactured at the tailoring and sock workshops to children in need, as well as expectant and new mothers. The association not only helped the needy, but also provided women the opportunity to work. This method constituted one of the first examples of the “Aid in Exchange for Work” idea in the history of the Turkish Republic.

Lending its support to the Red Crescent Society (Kızılay) during the 1939 Erzincan earthquake, the Turkish Philanthropic Association carried its efforts outside Ankara and thus made its name known on a national level. After the breakout of World War II, the Association played an active role in sewing uniforms for soldiers. In addition, volunteer nursing courses were offered against the possibility of entering the war and 95 women were given “Honorary Nurse” certificates. Mevhibe Hanım set an example for the public by participating in this endeavor in her nurse’s uniform.