Leyla Bedirxan (1908-1986), born in Istanbul to the prominent Kurdish Bedirxan family, was a trailblazer in the world of dance. In 1913, after a decree forced her family to flee the Ottoman Empire, she and her mother relocated to Egypt, where she spent her childhood. Following World War I, she moved to Europe to pursue her education and artistic aspirations.
Her passion for dance blossomed early, with Leyla teaching herself traditional women’s dances by observing others. She went on to study in Switzerland, complete her ballet training in Germany, and eventually settle in France, where she fully dedicated herself to dance. Leyla’s performances were deeply original, shaped by her unique vision rather than following conventional methods.
Throughout the 1930s and 1940s, Leyla toured Europe, performing in countries such as Austria, Germany, Switzerland, France, Belgium, and Italy. Her growing reputation led to invitations to perform in the United States, Canada, and beyond. Known as the “Kurdish Princess,” Leyla proudly promoted her Kurdish heritage, drawing inspiration from her family, especially her father Abdulrezzak Bedirxan, who was known for being the only Kurdish leader to own a piano at the time.
In addition to her dancing career, Leyla was a scholar, studying ancient religious ceremonies and dances, particularly those related to Zoroastrianism and cultures in Iran, Egypt, and India. She made history as the first Kurdish female artist to achieve international fame, all while staying true to her Kurdish roots. Numerous photographs in historical archives document her performances and lasting artistic impact.
Although Leyla could no longer perform in her later years, she remained engaged in cultural work and research until her passing in Paris in 1986. Her legacy as a groundbreaking Kurdish artist, who bridged Eastern and Western cultural traditions, continues to inspire today. Leyla Bedirxan demonstrated how art could transcend borders, while serving as a powerful expression of cultural identity.
As the first Kurdish woman to gain international acclaim in classical ballet, Leyla’s story is a testament to the intersection of Kurdish heritage, artistic innovation, and cultural diplomacy during a pivotal era in history.