Elenush Terian (1920 – 2011)
A groundbreaking woman who was called the ‘Mother of modern Iranian astronomy’, Elenush was born in Tehran to Armenian parents. Her parents were in theatre, but rather than pursue that as a career path, Elenush pursued the sciences.
With the support of her parents, she was accepted into Tehran University where she graduated with a Physics degree in 1947. She tried to apply for a scholarship to undertake her PhD in Iran, but was denied this request because she was a woman. So she went to Europe instead and undertook her PhD at Paris University.
While there, she worked alongside the daughter of Marie Curie, Irene. Upon obtaining her doctorate, she returned to Iran and taught a degree never taught in Iran – astrophysics, making her the first person to teach such a course in the country.
Elenush established the first physics observatory in Iran, and went to West Germany where she continued to excel – becoming the first woman to teach physics there.
Elenush never married, nor had children. She called the sun and moon her children. In her latter years, she gave her house to the Armenians in Jolfa (Esfahan) and to students that couldn’t afford accommodation.
Elenush was dearly loved by her students and she dedicated her life to teaching and educating Iranians on the stars and astronomy.
Elenush faced many obstacles in her life – whether they be related to her gender, or ethnicity. But she stated: “As a child, I saw and heard people say ‘girls can’t do math,’ for instance, and that always annoyed me. I wanted to prove that it doesn’t matter if you are a girl or a boy, that if a person has enough talent and perseverance, they can do anything. And I did prove it”. She certainly did, and remains an inspiration to this day. She passed away in 2011.
Women, Life, Freedom 