Establishment of Lions and Rotary Clubs in Turkey

International Relations is a field that continuously renews itself. In this context, the concepts and factors that constitute international relations are constantly changing. Policies pursued during a military conflict between two countries differ from those pursued during periods where there is no military conflict but the concept of power is prominent. Initially, a country's policies towards another country are focused on maintaining its own integrity. However, the factors that determine policies are not limited to state officials alone. The policies, which are indirectly influenced by society, shape over the long term. Societies are highly prone to forming various perceptions about concepts and organizations. The emergence of different perceptions essentially creates labels for these concepts and organizations. In Turkey, many concepts cannot shake off the labels created by these varying perceptions, and one such concept is undoubtedly "Freemasonry." Freemasonry has acquired and carried numerous different labels over the years, largely due to the perception that it lacks transparency. There are many organizations associated with Freemasonry. International Lions and Rotary Clubs, too, have been integrated with the Freemasonry label and have become focal points of different perceptions in society. This study examines the founding stages of Lions and Rotary Clubs and discusses them in the context of Freemasonry labels within the literature.