The Republic of Ireland made a tentative start to their first game since the heartbreaking defeat against Wales in their Euro 2025 play-off defeat in December - and first under former Aston Villa boss Ward.
Clear-cut chances were at a premium as Turkey looked to frustrate the hosts, who had plenty of possession without threatening.
Ruesha Littlejohn's long-range effort on four minutes dipped just over the crossbar, before Denise O'Sullivan had a shot cleared off the line.
A trademark long throw-in from Megan Campbell fell to Lucy Quinn, whose header was pushed away by visiting keeper Selda Akgoz as far as O'Sullivan on the edge of the box.
Her first-time effort looked destined to find the bottom corner, but Busem Seker blocked the ball before it could creep over the line.
The deadlock was broken with the Republic's best attacking move three minutes into first-half injury-time.
Aoife Mannion fed Marissa Sheva, and she laid it off to Heather Payne who, on her 50th cap, provided the assist for Carusa, digging out a cross which the striker met with a looping header over Akgoz.
The second half followed the same pattern as the first, with the hosts dominating possession without testing the Turkey keeper.
The visitors grew into the game and had the better chances, twice coming close to levelling as they spurned a guilt-edge chance near the end of the game.
Campbell was forced to make a vital intervention with a clearance off the line to prevent Seker's wind-assisted looping corner from dropping in under the crossbar.
The in the 91st minute, Basak Icinozbebek headed a free-kick into the path of fellow substitute Karabulut, who skewed wide from close range as the Republic held on for victory.
