Tahirə Tahirova, the first female Minister of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan, made significant contributions to the development of both our country's and the global diplomacy through her hard work, skill, and expertise.
Tahira Tahirova was born on November 7, 1913, in the city of Bayramali, Turkmenistan, into an intellectual family. In 1920, her family moved to Baku, where Tahirə completed her education with high honors. In 1929, she entered the Azerbaijan Industrial Institute, graduating with distinction from the Faculty of Mining in 1935. She then began working as a researcher at the Azerbaijan Scientific-Research Institute, becoming the first Azerbaijani woman with higher education in the field of oil industry.
After returning to Baku, Tahira worked in various oil fields. Although the work was initially challenging, in this male-dominated sector, she earned respect and recognition through her competence. Between 1937 and 1940, she served as a graduate student and assistant at the Department of Oil Field Development at the Azerbaijan Industrial Institute. During her student years, she met Abdulla Bayramov, a candidate in geosciences and meteorology, and later married him after graduating.
One year later, the war broke out, and like many others, her husband was sent to the front. During this period, Tahira, as the head of the Oil Industry Department of the Central Committee, was directly responsible for ensuring the continuous supply of fuel and lubricants to the army.
From 1950 onward, she continued her active participation in public and political affairs, representing Azerbaijan in numerous international organizations and visiting many countries. In 1954-1957, she served as chair of the Azerbaijan Trade Union Council. As a result of her diplomatic skill and dedication, she was appointed Minister of Foreign Affairs in 1957 and began her work in 1959 after completing studies at the Soviet Foreign Ministry's Diplomatic Academy.
Tahira Tahirova was awarded the Lenin Order, five times the Red Banner of Labor, the Order of Honor, and the Order of Friendship of Peoples. She was fluent in Turkish, English, Russian, and Arabic. She continued her work as Minister of Foreign Affairs until 1984.
Tahira passed away on October 26, 1991, at the age of 78 in Baku and was laid to rest in the Alley of Honor.
“I am not dissatisfied with the life I have lived. Because everything I did served only the welfare and bright future of my people and nation.”