Dürrüşehvar Sultan, Imperial Princess of the Ottoman Empire (d. 2006)

Durru Shehvar Durdana Begum Sahiba: A Bridge Between Empires and Eras

Durru Shehvar Durdana Begum Sahiba, formally known as the Princess of Berar, was a truly remarkable figure whose life spanned nearly a century of profound global change. Born as Hatice Hayriye Ayşe Dürrüşehvar Sultan on 16 January 1914, she was a direct descendant of the illustrious Ottoman dynasty, specifically the only daughter of Abdulmejid II.

Her birth name, Hatice Hayriye Ayşe Dürrüşehvar Sultan, reflects her imperial Ottoman lineage, a legacy that was both grand and, tragically, at its twilight. Abdulmejid II, her esteemed father, held the unique and poignant distinction of being the last heir apparent to the Ottoman Imperial throne. Furthermore, he was recognized as the last Caliph of the Ottoman Caliphate, a spiritual and political leadership role that had been held by Ottoman sultans for centuries.

The Ottoman Context: End of an Empire and Caliphate

The period of Princess Durru Shehvar's birth coincided with the final, tumultuous years of the Ottoman Empire. Following World War I, the empire was dismantled, leading to the abolition of the Ottoman Sultanate in 1922 and, critically, the dissolution of the Ottoman Caliphate by the Turkish Grand National Assembly in 1924. This pivotal event directly impacted her family, leading to the exile of all members of the Ottoman dynasty from Turkey.

As such, Durru Shehvar's formative years were shaped by the abrupt end of a 600-year-old imperial tradition and the transition into a new, republican era for Turkey. Her father, Abdulmejid II, spent his remaining years in exile, primarily in France, a testament to the dramatic geopolitical shifts of the early 20th century.

Life as the Princess of Berar: Hyderabad and Beyond

Durru Shehvar's path took a significant turn when she married H.E.H. Prince Azam Jah, the eldest son and heir apparent of Osman Ali Khan, Asaf Jah VII, who was then the Nizam of Hyderabad. This union, which took place in Nice, France, in 1931, conferred upon her the title "Princess of Berar." Hyderabad was, at the time, the largest and wealthiest princely state in British India, a cultural and economic powerhouse.

In Hyderabad, Princess Durru Shehvar quickly became a prominent figure. She was celebrated for her grace, intelligence, and modern outlook. She dedicated herself to philanthropic activities and social reform, particularly advocating for women's education and emancipation. Her contributions include:

• Promoting modern education for women and inspiring the establishment of progressive educational and welfare institutions.
• Championing women's rights and encouraging their participation in public life, a remarkably progressive stance for her era.
• Serving as a dedicated patron of arts, culture, and social welfare initiatives, significantly contributing to the rich tapestry of Hyderabad's aristocratic society.

She was often regarded as a bridge between the fading glories of the Ottoman Empire and the burgeoning modern world, embodying a blend of tradition and progressiveness.

Legacy and Later Years

Following the integration of Hyderabad into India in 1948 and later the passing of her husband, Princess Durru Shehvar relocated to London, where she continued to live a life of quiet dignity and continued to be a symbol of her grand lineage. She passed away on 7 February 2006, at the impressive age of 92, and was interred at Brookwood Cemetery in Surrey, England, a resting place for many prominent figures, including members of royal families in exile. Her life serves as a testament to resilience, adaptation, and unwavering commitment to public welfare, leaving an indelible mark on the history of both the Ottoman dynasty and the princely state of Hyderabad.

Frequently Asked Questions About Princess Durru Shehvar

Who was Durru Shehvar Durdana Begum Sahiba?

Durru Shehvar Durdana Begum Sahiba was an Ottoman princess, the only daughter of Abdulmejid II, the last Caliph of the Ottoman Caliphate. She later became the Princess of Berar through her marriage to the heir apparent of the Nizam of Hyderabad.

Why was she known as the "Princess of Berar"?

She acquired the title "Princess of Berar" upon her marriage in 1931 to H.E.H. Prince Azam Jah, the eldest son of the last reigning Nizam of Hyderabad, who held the titular sovereignty over Berar.

What was her connection to the Ottoman Empire's last Caliph?

She was the only daughter of Abdulmejid II, who served as the last Caliph of the Ottoman Caliphate and the final heir apparent to the Ottoman Imperial throne before both institutions were abolished in the early 1920s.

What contributions did Princess Durru Shehvar make in India?

In Hyderabad, she was highly influential, known for her philanthropic work and progressive views. She actively promoted women's education, empowerment, and welfare, and was a patron of cultural and social initiatives.