 |
Sevil Gamzat GazievaThe first female cotton harvester operator
Date of Birth: 01.06.1940
Country:  Azerbaijan |
Content:
- Sevil Həmzət qızı Qazıyeva: Azerbaijan's Pioneer in Mechanization
- Joining the Youth Movement
- Embracing Mechanization
- Tragic Death
- Legacy and Impact
- Honors and Recognition
- Memorialization
Sevil Həmzət qızı Qazıyeva: Azerbaijan's Pioneer in Mechanization
Early Life and EducationSevil Həmzət qızı Qazıyeva was born on June 1, 1940, in Nižniye Tala, Azerbaijan. After completing primary school in her village, she left for Baku to pursue her dream of becoming a doctor. However, her plans were altered when she failed her entrance exams to medical school.
Joining the Youth Movement
Inspired by an article about Uzbek cotton grower Tursonoy Ahunova, Qazıyeva organized a group of fellow students, including Məmləkət Tağıyeva, Solmaz Qəmbərova, and Diləfruz Ocaqquliyeva, to join the "Girls to the Wheel!" movement. They published an open letter in the "Azerbaijan Youth" newspaper on January 20, 1960, pledging their support for Ahunova.
Embracing Mechanization
After receiving training in agricultural mechanization, the young women went to Zhdanov (now Beylagan), where they began working in a state farm. Qazıyeva's skill and dedication quickly earned her recognition.
Tragic Death
On October 27-28, 1963, tragedy struck while Qazıyeva was working in the fields. Various theories have been proposed for her death, but the most credible is that her long hair became entangled in the cotton picker, resulting in severe injuries that led to her demise.
Legacy and Impact
Despite her untimely death, Qazıyeva's brief but extraordinary career left an indelible mark on Soviet society. Her example inspired countless young people, especially women, to pursue careers in mechanization. Nikita Khrushchev, the First Secretary of the CPSU, hailed her as a role model for Komsomol members.
Honors and Recognition
Posthumously, Qazıyeva was awarded the title Hero of Socialist Labor in 1966. Her name was included in the anthology "Right-Flanking Komsomol Members" (1982), dedicated to outstanding Komsomol members who served as exemplars for their peers.
Memorialization
Statues of Qazıyeva have been erected in Baku, her hometown of Zaqatala, and in other cities throughout Azerbaijan. Streets, schools, and cultural institutions bear her name. The Azerbaijani poet Nabi Khazri wrote a poem dedicated to her, earning her the nickname "Sister of the Sun."
