Smoking cigarettes is the Turks' favorite national pastime. Their smoking habits
are known worldwide and even some sayings such as Smoking like Turk which is
used for heavy smokers or Gives off smoke like a Turk which is used for smoking
chimneys.
In theory, smoking is prohibited on public transportation vehicles, in terminals,
airports, banks and the like. On the other hand when you see the thrown bits
of cigarettes on the floors you can question how much people obey this rule.
Some 5-star hotels have floors for non-smokers. However you may not have a chance
to find even a non-smoking room at ordinary hotels. Most restaurants do not
have separate parts for non-smokers.
Nargile (hubble-bubble) is among the most interesting and joyous smoking
habits. Tourists, who visit Turkey, are attracted to the hubble-bubble and try
once. Moreover they often buy nargile and its tobacco as souvenirs to take home
to their family and friends.
Cigarettes, pipe and cigar tobaccos are produced and sold by Tekel (Turkish
Tobacco Monopolies). However it is hard to say they are the best quality. Tekel
also imports cigarettes, pipe and cigar tobaccos of well known international
brands and you can find them almost everywhere, even at peddlers on the streets.
Don't hesitate to bargain when shopping at these peddlers.
Despite all these various alternatives we recommend you not to smoke for the
sake of your health. We wish you nicotine-free days.
