Princess Durrushehvar Sultan, formerly known as Durdana Begum following her marriage to Prince Azam Jah, left an indelible mark on the historical landscape of Hyderabad, India. Born to Abdulmejid II, the last heir apparent to the Ottoman Imperial throne and the final Caliph of the Ottoman Caliphate, her life was a tapestry of royal lineage and significant accomplishments.
In November 1931, at the tender age of 17, Princess Durrushehvar exchanged vows with Prince Azam Jah in a splendid ceremony held at Villa Carabacel in Nice, France. This union between an Ottoman princess and the crown prince of Hyderabad, Prince Azam Jah, symbolized the convergence of two illustrious dynasties.
Upon their arrival in Hyderabad in January 1932, the royal couple took residence in the opulent Bella Vista Palace. Here, the Princess was bestowed with the title of Durdana Begum by her father-in-law, Nawab Mir Osman Ali Khan Bahadur, the Nizam of Hyderabad, in recognition of her status within the princely state.
In addition to her royal lineage, Princess Durrushehvar was distinguished by her linguistic prowess. Fluent in French, Turkish, English, and Urdu, her multilingual abilities facilitated her role as a bridge between cultures and societies.
However, it was her dedication to modernization and education that truly set her apart. With a profound belief in the importance of modern education, especially for women, she emerged as a prominent public figure in Hyderabad. Her contributions extended far beyond the palace walls, leaving an enduring impact on the city.
Some of her notable public activities included inaugurating the historic Begumpet Airport in Hyderabad in 1940, marking a significant milestone in the city’s aviation history. She also lent her support to the healthcare sector, inaugurating outpatient departments at the renowned Osmania General Hospital. Her commitment to healthcare further materialized with the opening of the Durru Shehvar Children’s & General Hospital, dedicated to the well-being of women and children in the old city of Hyderabad.
Princess Durrushehvar’s philanthropic endeavors reached beyond the borders of Hyderabad. She played a pivotal role in inaugurating the Ajmal Khan Tibbiya College Hospital at Aligarh Muslim University, underscoring the importance of medical education and healthcare services.
In Hyderabad’s high society, the Princess was celebrated for her elegant chiffon sarees and her unique style, which resonated with the modernity she championed. Her legacy endures as a symbol of grace, sophistication, and progressive thinking in the annals of Hyderabad’s history. Princess Durrushehvar Sultan remains an iconic figure whose contributions to education, healthcare, and culture continue to inspire generations.
