Historical Figure
Nazik al-Abid
Ottoman
Nazik Al Abid known as the "Joan of Arc of the Arabs" was a Syrian women's rights activist, nationalist, and critic of Ottoman and French colonialism in Syria. She was the first woman to earn rank in the Syrian Army for her role in forming the Red Star Society, a precursor to the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, during the battle of Maysalun. She was a revolutionary for national independence and women's right to work and vote in Syria.
Connection to Damascus
Born in Damascus; founded the Nur al-Fayha' (Light of Damascus) society and magazine in 1919.
Known for
Joan of Arc of the Arabs; founded the Red Star Society during the Battle of Maysalun.
Lifespan
1887 – 1959
Biography
Nazik Al Abid known as the "Joan of Arc of the Arabs" was a Syrian women's rights activist, nationalist, and critic of Ottoman and French colonialism in Syria. She was the first woman to earn rank in the Syrian Army for her role in forming the Red Star Society, a precursor to the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, during the battle of Maysalun. She was a revolutionary for national independence and women's right to work and vote in Syria.