[PROF. BESIM OMER PASHAS VIEWS ON POPULATION POLICIES DURING THE EARLY YEARS OF THE TURKISH REPUBLIC].

Dr. Besim Ömer Akalin, was a pioneer in modern obstetric and neonatal practices, and the founder of the first maternity hospital in Turkey. He established nursing as profession and promoted the development of modern midwifery. Besim Omer Pasha was also ins- trumental in the organization of the Turkish Red Crescent, the Institute for Protection of Children, and the Society for Tuberculosis Control. Professor Besim Omer Akalin chai- red the gynecology and obstetric clinics of the Medical Faculty, and was elected Rector of the Istanbul University. He also served as General Director of Health, and was a Member of the Grand National Assembly of Turkey in his later years. Together with his textbooks and treatises, Besim Ömer Akalin published booklets for the public where he addressed a wide range of topics on social health, hygiene and welfare.