The expression "smoke like a Turk" seems destined for the rubbish bin of history now that Turkey has introduced some of the toughest anti-smoking legislation in all of Europe. The new ban aims to curb Turkey´s love affair with tobacco, which is blamed for 100,000 smoking deaths in the country each year.

100,000 tobacco-related deaths a year

A Turkish health commercial warns of the dangers of smoking, It says every year over 100,000 people die from smoking.

The commercial is part of the government´s new campaign against smoking. This week the government introduced some of the toughest anti-smoking laws in Europe. Smoking is now banned in all closed public places, and that includes traditional tea and coffee houses.

For centuries Turks have passed the time sipping their tea and coffee with a cigarette. These smoke-filled rooms are iconic images of Turkey. But no more.

At the Keyif Coffee House the new ban has already hit hard, according to its owner.
 
An end to ancient tradition?

"Sure this ban will affect us both work wise and lifestyle. We will not be able to live the way we did. As for our cafe, we will have to find new ways to take some economical measures like sacking workers," he said. "Considering the material and emotional loss of all the people we sacked, the cigarette ban does not create a good picture for us, and three months ago I paid for a new license to sell tobacco."
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How are you (smoking) guys coping with this

 Quite smoking...got tired of being a pariah....now I take walks and deep breaths.....Times change....I hope I never go back to that expensive habit again....

This ban is supported by most of the Turkish people. Even by 80% of smokers in Turkey. I hope many smokers will quit this stupid habit with the help (or as a result) of this ban.

I am a non smoker and am happy I wont be poisoned anymore from smokes. Turkey showed a good example for other countries. Way to go!

I hate these stupid laws. Why not have a non-smoking AND a smoking section? As a smoker I do not mind you borrow my smoke...

BTW It can be worse: here in Japan in some cities, like Kobe and Nara (where I`m now), you can`t even smoke on the streets! In Kobe they`ll fine you with 1000 yen (8 euro) when you do that. Not that I would be bothered with a fine of a low amount like that but the hassle with a police officer who does not speak English.... McD. and thelike earned a lot of money from me, everytime I wanted to smoke I headed for these places - with the compulsory drink.....

Sorry to my friends who smoke.....but I will enjoy my Turkish vacations much more now that I will be able to breath in public areas.   

Agreed...and I will enjoy living here more.  However they seem to be taking the ´no smoking indoors´ rule a bit further with the addition of ´no smoking under a canopy/awning attached to the restaurant´ - which means that the only way people will be allowed to smoke is if they leave the table and walk out into the street.  Even though I´m a non-smoker this does seem a bit harsh.   Outdoor smoking has never bothered me here - it´s in the winter that it´s bad when it´s too cold to leave the doors open and you feel as if you are eating or drinking in a fog (a very smelly fog!).

We actually have laws here in the US that say you can´t smoke within 50 feet of a public entrance.  So many places have a designated area on the side of a building where smoking is allowed.  Believe me, if you have asthma, walking thru a cloud of smoke before getting into a building can be a bit of a challenge, so I really appreciate these laws.  However, I do think that smokers should have a place where they can smoke freely without worrying about getting in trouble or putting someone into a full blown asthma attack.