ABSTRACT
In Turkey, the period between 1960 and 1980 is considered the ‘institutionalization years’ of public relations. During the establishment of the field, women were among the pioneers contributing to the recognition, institutionalization, professionalization and internationalization of public relations, and they shaped understanding of the field through their activities in Turkey. This chapter introduces the professional women who were influential during the institutionalization period of public relations in Turkey and who have contributed to the professionalization process of the field, as well as highlighting their experiences during this process. The first women public relations practitioners participated in the field through male executives whom they regarded as mentors. During its early years, public relations was understood as a way of managing media relations and a kind of protocol management; therefore, it was seen as a suitable occupation for women who had appropriate knowledge, skills and aptitudes.
