Şərq qadını [Woman of the East], 1931 (nos. 1, 2)

1931. Item #1014

Each issue spans 22 pages, featuring constructivist illustrations throughout. Dimensions: 28 x 20.5 cm. Text in Azerbaijani. Both issues show evidence of having been removed from a binder or a larger collection, resulting in damaged spines.

"Azerbaijan gadini" (Azerbaijani: Azərbaycan qadını – "Woman of Azerbaijan") is a historic Azerbaijani-language women's magazine. Initially founded in 1923 as "Sharg gadini" (Azerbaijani: Şərq qadını – "Woman of the East"), it was the first publication in Azerbaijan dedicated to advocating women's rights and spreading ideas of freedom among women. By the 1930s, the magazine's focus had shifted towards promoting industrialization and cooperation, emphasizing collective farming, labor activism, and the establishment of state farms, reflecting the Communist Party's agenda.

The presented two issues of the magazine capture this transformative period, highlighting the push for integrating Muslim women into the socio-economic fabric of the socialist state. The content continues to emphasize the importance of women's contributions to industrial and agricultural sectors, reinforcing the magazine's role as a key print organ of the Azerbaijani Zhenotdel. During this time, the magazine's contributors faced significant challenges, with many, including chief editor Gulara Koylugizi, being arrested during Stalinist repressions. Despite these hardships, the publication remained a crucial platform for advancing women's roles in Azerbaijani society until its renaming to "Azerbaijan gadini" in 1938.

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