First Kazakh Woman Diplomat Makes History at Elizabeth I’s Court
Aura Soltana: The First Diplomatic Representative of the Kazakh State in England
Aura Soltana, also known as Aru Sultan, made history as the first diplomatic representative of the Kazakh State at the court of Queen Elizabeth I of England from 1557 to 1576. She holds the distinction of being the first representative from both the Islamic world and the Turkic world in England during the 16th century.
During the reign of Khan Khaknazar (1538-1580), the Kazakh State gained significant geopolitical and economic power. Anthony Jenkinson, the envoy of Queen Elizabeth I, visited the Kazakh State from 1557 to 1572, establishing crucial bilateral relations with the Kazakh ruler. This led to the dispatch of a Kazakh diplomatic mission to London in 1561, led by Soltana, a close associate of Khan Khaknazar.
Soltana’s contribution to cartography is also noteworthy. The Kazakh State has been featured in European and regional atlases, with one of the most beautiful medieval maps depicting Kazakh life, economy, military traditions, and geopolitical relations. Soltana’s knowledge and education assisted in illustrating this map, highlighting the unique aspects of Kazakh society.
As the first female diplomatic representative of the Kazakh State in the 16th century, Soltana’s influence at the English court was significant. She gained respect and influence within Queen Elizabeth I’s circle, receiving special honors and titles. Soltana was admired for her intelligence, fluency in multiple languages, and her ability to bridge cultural gaps.
Soltana’s legacy lives on through her portrait at Hampton Court Palace in London, where she is recognized as Aura Soltana Ippolita. Her story underscores the importance of women in traditional Kazakh society and the impact they can have on diplomacy and international relations.
Mukhit-Ardager Sydyknazarov, a prominent figure in political science and director of the ENU Institute of Modern Studies, has explored historical maps that testify to the centuries-old history of Kazakh statehood. His work sheds light on the remarkable contributions of individuals like Aura Soltana in shaping the diplomatic landscape of the time.
