Lady Adela Jaff (1847-1924)
Lady Adela Jaff, or Adela Khanum, also known as the “Princess of the Brave,” was a remarkable Kurdish ruler of the Jaff tribe and one of the first well-known female leaders in the history of Kurdistan. She was born into the ruling family in 1847 in the city of Sine (Sanandaj) in Rojhelat (eastern Kurdistan) and later married the Kurdish King Osman Pasha Jaff, who was headquartered in Halabja.
Despite the traditional patriarchal society she lived in, Lady Adela demonstrated remarkable leadership skills and worked hard to promote social justice and economic development in her community. She was one of the few female rulers in the region and was even respected by the British people. She is said to have saved the lives of many British soldiers, who were a part of the Mesopotamia invasion during World War I.
Lady Adela (center), ruler of Halabja, meeting with Major General Fraser in 1919.
Lady Adela defended and supported the people living under her rule. British Major Fraser ultimately awarded her the title of Khan-Bahadur for her acts of mercy, which included providing food, safeguarding the poor, establishing schools for children, and working to promote economic development in her community.
Lady Adela and her family, 1920’s.
After the death of her husband in 1909, Lady Adela became the ruler of the town of Halabja and continued to reign with the British until her passing in 1924. The British then gave her the moniker “Princess of the Brave” for saving the lives of British army officers during World War I. Lady Adela was a strong advocate for good governance and established a court of justice, transforming Halabja from a village made of mud huts into a flourishing trade center with a new bazaar and fine Persian-style buildings through far-sighted economic planning.
Personalities of Kurdistan, published by the Civil Commissioner’s Office in Baghdad, 1919.
Lady Adela faced challenges and prejudices due to her gender and ethnicity despite her impressive accomplishments. However, she persevered and continued to work towards a better future for her people, leaving behind a legacy of strength and resilience that is still celebrated today. Her story serves as an inspiration for women and leaders everywhere and serves as a reminder that with determination and work, anything is possible.
