Türkan Akyol

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Türkan Akyol (1928 – 2009) was a prominent Turkish physician and politician. She holds the distinction of being the first female Minister of Health and the first female rector of a university in Turkey.

Early Life and Education

Türkan Akyol was born in 1928 in Istanbul, Turkey. She completed her primary and secondary education in Istanbul. Akyol pursued higher education at the Ankara University Faculty of Medicine, where she graduated as a medical doctor.

Medical Career

After completing her medical degree, Akyol specialized in pulmonology. She worked as a physician and later became a professor at Ankara University. Her contributions to the field of medicine, particularly in pulmonology, were widely recognized.

Political Career

Türkan Akyol entered politics in the early 1970s. She was appointed as the Minister of Health in 1971, making her the first woman to hold this position in Turkey. During her tenure, she focused on improving the healthcare system and expanding access to medical services.

In addition to her role as Minister of Health, Akyol also served as the Minister of State in the early 1990s. She was a member of the Grand National Assembly of Turkey and played a significant role in shaping health policies in the country.

Academic Contributions

Türkan Akyol made history again by becoming the first female rector of a university in Turkey. She served as the rector of Ankara University from 1980 to 1982. Her leadership in academia was marked by efforts to enhance the quality of education and promote scientific research.

Legacy and Death

Türkan Akyol passed away in 2009, leaving behind a legacy of pioneering achievements in both medicine and politics. She is remembered as a trailblazer for women in Turkey and a dedicated public servant.

See Also

• List of Ministers of Health of Turkey
• Women in Turkish politics
• Ankara University