**1. Introduction**

The idea of replacing a malfunctioning diseased organ by the same organ dates back to antiquity, but major inventions and successful practice of transplanting solid organs have occurred in the second half of the 20th century. Pioneering work in human-to-human organ transplantation started in the 1950's and in following decade. Since then, improvements in surgical techniques, better postoperative management in the intensive care units, the introduction of brain death concept and its beneficial effect of enlarging the donor pool, a better understanding of the natural course of the various diseases leading to organ failure, new immunosuppressive agents have all contributed to transplantation activities. Today organ transplantation is a definitive treatment for an end-stage disease with low morbidity and mortality rates. Efforts directed to the education of medical staff and the general public, controlled system of financial payment for the living donor, similarly gifting to deceased donor's family, extending the donor criteria,

acceptance of paired organ donation, organ donation campaigns and media support are among the other measures to promote transplantation.
