Leprosy and leprosy association in the Republican era

People have struggled with diseases throughout the ages. It is leprosy in a disease that deeply affects history. It is a disease that causes wounds, loss of sensation and tissue loss in the body. It is a difficult and treatable disease. If left untreated, it leads to injuries. Throughout history, leprosy patients have been isolated from society, excluded, and feared. It has been the subject of literature books, theaters and cinemas as an element of horror. This situation has worn leprosy patients more than the disease. Leprosy disease, whose scientific name is Lepra in Turkish, is also known as Miskin disease in the folk language. In this study, first as leprosy disease, leprosy throughout history, leprosy in Turkey, cities where leprosy is most prevalent are processed. Then, the life and work of Etem Utku, Ahmet Akçaboy, Atıf Taşpınar and Türkan Saylan, who are among the leading doctors who have struggled with leprosy, are mentioned. In this study, the purpose of establishment of the Leprosy Association and its contributions to patients with Leprosy are included. Since its establishment, the existence of an institution that gives hope to patients with its social activities and aids has been discussed. Türkan Saylan Lepra Memorial House, which is part of the association, was handled as a project where we can feel comfortable like "Türkan Mother's House" and we were able to benefit from the rich Leprosy archive here for research and studies. Letters written by a few leprosy patients on display in the memory house were exhibited and an important source was created for us to understand their feelings and thoughts. This study also touches on how people with leprosy are cared for throughout history.