Gökçen (1913-2001) was the world’s first female fighter pilot and was also one of Atatürk’s adopted children. She was educated in Russia and at the Turkish Air Force Academy to become a military pilot. She flew over all around the world for a period of 28 years until 1964. What makes her so important for Turkey is that she is a symbol of the modern Turkish woman. Sabiha Gökçen Airport in Istanbul was named after her.
