Filming Wraps on “Shovkat,” Celebrating Azerbaijan’s First Female Captain

Filming has concluded for the feature film “Shovkat,” which tells the remarkable story of Azerbaijan’s first female ship captain, Shovkat Salimova. Produced by the Azerbaijan Caspian Shipping Closed Joint-Stock Company (ASCO), the film aims to highlight Salimova’s significant contributions to maritime navigation and the role of women in the industry during World War II.

The production involved over 70 local and international specialists and featured more than 100 actors. Young actress Nazrin Abdullayeva portrays Shovkat, alongside notable performers such as People’s Artist Gurban Ismayilov and actors Hikmat Ragimov, Elsever Ragimov, and Nigar Mursalova. The film’s creative team includes director Asif Rustamov, who also co-wrote the screenplay with Tural Ibrahimov, the head of the Surakhani Ship Museum.

Highlights of Shovkat Salimova’s Legacy

Shovkat Salimova stands out as a pioneering figure, becoming the first female sea captain in Azerbaijan and the first Muslim woman to hold such a position in the Middle East. Her achievements were especially notable during the Great Patriotic War, where she commanded vessels that transported critical military supplies and returned wounded soldiers from the front lines.

Salimova was born into a large family, the eldest of ten children in Baku. Despite the societal norms of her time, she pursued her dream of a maritime career, overcoming significant obstacles to gain admission to a navigation faculty. After graduating, she faced initial skepticism from the Black Sea Shipping Company, where she was appointed as a third mate aboard the tanker Sergo. It was here that she proved her mettle, eventually earning the captain’s respect through her skill and determination.

Her courageous leadership during perilous missions, such as fending off enemy attacks while transporting vital cargo, earned her multiple military honors, including the Order of the Patriotic War and two Orders of the Red Star. Salimova’s maritime career took her across the Mediterranean, Marmara, Aegean, and Red Seas, where she not only served her country but also found personal happiness.

Post-Filming Developments and Salimova’s Impact

Currently, post-production work for “Shovkat” is underway, with the film set to celebrate Salimova’s legacy and inspire future generations. Her life story is a testament to overcoming gender barriers in a traditionally male-dominated field. After stepping away from active duty, Salimova transitioned to academia, earning a doctorate in economic sciences and becoming a respected economist and member of the Azerbaijan Academy of Sciences.

Shovkat Salimova passed away in Baku in 1999, leaving behind a powerful legacy. Through her relentless perseverance and dedication to her profession, she shattered stereotypes, demonstrating that women are equally capable in any field, including the demanding maritime industry. As audiences await the release of “Shovkat,” the film promises to shed light on this extraordinary woman’s life and the vital role women played in Azerbaijan’s maritime history.