We were in Istanbul in March and smoking was prevalent everywhere. The only time it seemed overbearing was in the hotel restaurant which was not that well ventilated, and in some taxis. It wasn't as bad in the local restaurants because they were all airy. We simply turned down a couple of taxis because of the smoke that permeated them. No problem...there are plenty of other taxis to choose from.

It will definitely be a nicer place to visit for all with the ban in effect. The selection and quality of the food in the cafes is wonderful and fresh air can only enhance the dining experience.

Posted By T. Buqo on July 30, 2009, 10:22 PM

Only the first? I wonder how many more they're expecting. I'll stay away until the dust settles. It will be a nice place to visit once all the meddling busybodies are gone.

Posted By Bob on July 31, 2009, 8:02 AM

The banning of cigarette smoking all over the world is ridiculous especially when it's outdoors. I will never believe that secondhand smoke will harm anyone except in cases where people are exposed to it most of their waking hours in enclosed areas. We have so much polution in the air due to cars, factories, etc. Obesity is now the leading source of health care problems in the US. Are you going to ban fatty foods next? I would like to see true statistics of how many people die of secondhand smoke and how it was determined compared to those who die of the same illness who don't smoke. Your body continually cleans out the lungs and exposure to secondhand smoke is impossible to harm you in social areas. I am so tired of laws that infringe on our personal lives: seat belts, helmets, smoking, saturated fat bans, etc. I agree with smoking areas if only to keep from affecting people with ashtma. People know what is good and bad for them. If they make the wrong choices, they must suffer the consequences. Smoking can harm your health; not secondhand smoking.

Posted By Judy Herman on July 31, 2009, 9:14 AM

Scary that politicians can rely upon surveys put out during a anti smoking convention to say there's support! No way would 90% of the people support a ban, when more then 40% smoke!

Just like smoking rates have been going down around the world according to "expert" anti smoker proponents, yet the amount of contraband(not in these figures) has been increasing. Never rely on proponents of an issue for "facts", even if they are gov't. Time will tell, where the pendulum will swing.

When things don't look right, look who's publishing the numbers! Sad you have to resort to getting numbers from people who demand a ban, this isn't over yet, and nobody questions the statistics or studies. Scary what gov't thinks it can do, with taxpayers & pharmaceutical (charity sponors) money, look at the e-cigarette issue. The FDA says one day ban the e-cig, then the study says they are safe.
http://tobaccoanalysis.blogspot.com/

Posted By lynda on July 31, 2009, 12:00 PM

Tobacco industries has been working on confusing public opinion for decades now - that's why we still have people still say " I would like to see true statistics" AS IF there has not been hundreds of studies published yet. In the age of google who cannot find statistics from reliable scientific institutions? Those who do not want to know.

Posted By nyoped on July 31, 2009, 1:12 PM

RE: the comment: "Smoking can harm your health; not secondhand smoking."

Sorry, but you are way off base on this one. Yes, the data on second hand smoke is inconclusive that is true, however that is not the only issue. The data on first hand smoking is clear, smoking kills over 100,000 Turkish people annually, that is a fact. Any other such murderous activity would make for major headline news. It kills more than AIDS, illegal drugs and alcohol combined.

Smokers can choose to murder themselves whereas those of us who do not smoke and have to suffer their addiction in restaurants have no choice but to breathe the foul crap they exhale. As a former 3 pack a day Camel non-filter smoker I ALWAYS asked first before I lit up and I NEVER smoked if someone objected which they sometimes did. Smokers are callously indifferent to those around them who resent the obnoxious smells and nauseating burning of the nose by those of us who do NOT smoke. Smoking should be banned everywhere in eating establishments, even outdoors.

Posted By Johnny on July 31, 2009, 1:29 PM

This is ridiculous! the bans should be up to the bar/restaurant owners. This is an outrage, if I were them I would try to find an alternative, and fast...I found mine at www.Crown7.com...It saved my business from bankruptcy.

Posted By Mick McDaniel on July 31, 2009, 7:10 PM

I enjoy an occasionl cigar or smoking my pipe, but
I usually do it where it will not bother others.
Even if a restaurant has an outside patio or deck
I try to get a seat on the outer edge if the wind
is blowing in the direction away from the deck. If
it isn't possible, I will pass, no problem. no
sense getting the other guests upset over cigar or
pipe smoke. The rule in Turkey is probably as much
a religious ruling as it is a health ruling. Thank
the Lord We are in the U.S.A...

Posted By tom h on July 31, 2009, 8:22 PM

Great that Turkey has banned smoking in restaurants! It has always been a problem and I hope this helps. I will enjoy eating all over Turkey now that the ban is in effect.

Posted By Jackie on August 3, 2009, 11:06 AM

There are thousands of deaths each year attributed to second hand smoke. I never patronize places where public smoking is allowed. How can anyone say such a ban is an infringement on personal rights? What about the rights of others to breathe - something we all have to do? If one wants to endanger his/her own life by smoking, stay home and away from others to do it!

Posted By Judy Bradley on August 3, 2009, 11:09 AM

It might not make the difference in whether I chose to visit Turkey, but the banning of smoking in restaurants will most definitely make my visit there more pleasant.

Posted By Fred Stephens on August 3, 2009, 11:20 AM

If I have the option to choose between a restaurant that is non-smoking and one that allows smoking, I'll choose the non-smoking one every time.

Posted By Charles Jaco on August 3, 2009, 11:59 AM

I'm at the point in my life where, if there is smoking anywhere around me, I don't need to be there or go there or stay there or pay to be there at all! Smokers can stay home if they don't like it - they're dying anyway, so stay home and get your affairs in order!!!!

Posted By Karen on August 3, 2009, 12:10 PM

Please, people - the overwhelming evidence is that smoking (first hand or second hand) kills. I am so glad that I don't have to breathe other people's filth any longer in so many places around the world. Thank goodness.

Posted By Harvey on August 3, 2009, 12:29 PM

I'm less likely to go to a non-smoking country. Especially in a heavy smoking population country like Turkey, it should be left up to Restaurant and Bar owners. And what about the hookah bars taht are so popular there? I'm sick and tired of the nanny-state.

Posted By JP on August 3, 2009, 1:09 PM

I have COPD and not only do I hate the smell of smoke, I can't breathe around smokers. No choice for me - I stay away from places that allow smoking.

Posted By Maggie on August 3, 2009, 1:34 PM

I'm completely supportive of the smoking ban. If it were possible for only the smoker to be affected by their smoke, I would not support it, but that's impossible. Smoking affects everyone around the person doing it, leaving people who prefer not to be exposed with no choice in the matter. As someone who has a severe allergy to cigarette smoke, I definitely spend more time in places that are smoke free.

Posted By Michelle on August 3, 2009, 1:41 PM

Judy, you are sorely misinformed. There are numerous studies documenting that second-hand smoke is harmful. Just like the birthers, you choose to ignore the facts if they dont' fit your agenda.

I'm going to Turkey in October and am happy to hear about the ban. GREAT!

Posted By Frank Reed on August 3, 2009, 2:14 PM

We love visiting Turkey and have been there some half-dozen times. Smoking IS a private matter. Therefore, keep it private: At Home! Smoke outside and just don't exhale! Just keep it to your self! NO ONE should have the right to subject me to their stink. The restaurants will be far more inviting there without the smoke. I applaud the Government of Turkey for caring about its citizens!

Posted By Lanfarm on August 3, 2009, 2:18 PM

Hands down I'm going to choose the cafe or restaurant that isn't infested with smoke from smokers. If you're going to smoke, outdoors please. There's a reason why they banned smoking in enclosed places like airplanes - it's not very much different in an enclosed space like a cafe or restaurant. I always thought it was silly how in the past they had "non-smoking" and "smoking" sections in an enclosed restaurant. There is no such thing when the smoking area is right next to the non-smoking section and you inhale the smoke anyways.

Posted By Karen Olivia on August 3, 2009, 2:20 PM

While we're at it, why don't we ban cars. Cars contribute to the deaths of hundreds of thousands every year. And it's often second-hand driving - passengers, pedestrians etc. Not always the drivers themselves.

Look, I hate smoke. I cover my mouth when I walk past a smoker. I became a recovering smoke-aholic on August 13, 2006, and I'm relieved. And personally, I'm glad we don't allow smoking in restaurants or bars in my City. But I DON'T approve of the government telling me I CAN'T do something.

Pretty soon I'm not going to be able to leave my home, because it's not safe for me. I might get robbed by some thug. (Which really wouldn't be a problem, if they'd just let me have a CCW permit. Stupid City law.) I might get hit by a car while crossing the street. I might step off the curb and fall, crack my head open and die.

Let the individual restaurants and bars decide. There are PLENTY of non-smokers who will frequent the non-smoking facilities, while the smokers go elsewhere. They will probably even bring in new clients with their new policies.

People, start taking responsibility for your own lives, and get out of everyone else's. Most especially, government out of my life.

Posted By CJ on August 3, 2009, 2:33 PM

Since I have asthma I will not travel to anywhere that there is not a non-smoking ban in restaurants and bars as wellas any other public place. I was surprised and delighted when I was in Italy a few weeks after they put into effect the non-smoking ban. No where I went or ate was there any fuss about not being able to smoke.

Posted By Mary Lee Ely on August 3, 2009, 2:53 PM

Murder is a tragic way to express opposition to government control. Having said that, maybe we should all reconsider government's heavy-handedness and leave the decision of whether or not to allow smoking on private property to the property owner. Then we can each make our individual decisions about where to patronize based on our preferences for or against cigarette smoke! Wow, what a concept.

Posted By Mindy on August 3, 2009, 3:14 PM

I will not go into a restaurant or bar that has smoking. It is not only a harmful but a disgusting addiction that should be banned worldwide.

Posted By william taylor on August 3, 2009, 3:20 PM

As a person with breathing difficulties, I am quite negatively affected by secondhand. I applaud the global effort to ban smoking from all public places.

Posted By Sue Woods on August 3, 2009, 3:26 PM

I dread going to places and countries where I have to cough my way through clouds of cigar and cigarette smoke everywhere I go. Tobacco smoke makes a meal a miserable experience and I am glad Turkey is modernizing itself in this regard and coming to understand the need to protect the health and comfort of those like me who can't and shouldn't be near tobacco smoke in bars and restaurants. There should be restaurants and bars that say they deliberately cater to smokers and water pipes and as such have the official sanction to be a -specialty place for smokers and also places that make it clear upfront that they respect the health and comfort need of many to dine in a smokefree environment.

Posted By Morgan on August 3, 2009, 3:27 PM

Why don't we ask people who don't smoke and who don't have many other career skills or career choices who work all the time year in and year out in proximity of non-stop smoking (bars and restaurants) just to be able pay their rent and keep food and basic supplies in their home how their health and happiness is now.

Posted By Morgan on August 3, 2009, 3:36 PM

Illinois banned smoking a few years ago in any public building. Chicago bar owners and others were angry and in an uproar.
Today no one seems to care... smokers just go outside and come back in-- tuff though when it's only 10 degrees out there...another good reason to QUIT SMOKING

Posted By Trish in Chicago on August 3, 2009, 4:15 PM

RE: the comment: "Smoking can harm your health; not secondhand smoking."

I am one of many severely allergic to cigarette smoke. My eyes water, my nose runs, I get a headache like a double migraine, and my stomach gets queasy, when one lights up within 100 feet indoors or out, even when around one who has recently smoked or been in a smoky room. I love to travel and applaud the Turkish government for taking steps to increase tourism and improve the health of its citizens.

Posted By Bob Balch on August 3, 2009, 4:16 PM

Why don't we ask people who don't smoke and who don't have many other career skills or career choices who work all the time year in and year out in proximity of non-stop smoking (bars and restaurants) just to be able pay their rent and keep food and basic supplies in their home how their health and happiness is now.

Posted By Morgan on August 3, 2009, 4:17 PM

A stagnant Ankara and other ancient cities are stifling. We will not go back. Even nights are bad.

Posted By Warren Pugh on August 3, 2009, 4:22 PM

smoking is disgusting.this story shows just how serious the addiction is.

we hate to go to a restaurant and watch child abuse[parents subjecting their children to their fumes].

Posted By bill and lenie on August 3, 2009, 5:05 PM

The tobacco Nazis at play. what's next, the fashion police...?

Posted By David S. Schneider-Citizen on August 3, 2009, 5:09 PM

Judy, I partly agree and partly disagree.

I am sensitive to cigarette smoke in an enclosed area. I was in enclosed restaurant in Scotland and just one smoker had me coughing and coughing. An end to that misery happened when Scotland and Ireland banned smoking in their pubs and restaurants.

How about this also. Here in Virginia where you have to find a restaurant that says that it is smoke free or I am in for misery. I stopped at one restaurant to make a call as my cell phone was not working. The people there were nice enough but 5 of them smoking away in a small and enclosed area., I drove home to Maryland coughing non-stop.

I can see smoking in a area where there is always a stiff breeze to carry the bad tobacco odor and unhealthful smoke away. But not in a cab where there no escape from the smoke or in an enclosed area like a restaurant where a non-smoker has to suffer through a meal that reeks of nearby smoking.

The fact that second-hand cigarette smoke makes me cough, makes my eyes burn, makes my skin, clothes and hair stinky and grimy with a clinging smokey film that lingers and lingers means that it can't be good.

Let's interview waiters and waitresses and see whether or not some of them appreciate working in a cleaner environment free from dingy, reeking smoke,free from smelly cigarette butts and ashes. See if they can breath better, less short of breath.

Have you ever seen white walls stained yellow and brown from heavy every day smoking and when the occupant moved out there are white rectangular and square patches where the pictures used to hang? It took multiple buckets of detergents to cut through the smoke film and there streams of dark brown liquid running down the walls as I scrubbed and scrubbed the smoke film away. You can't tell me
second-hand smoke doesn't harm the lungs when it is inhaled in an enclosed area as the walls were
just completely discolored by the smoking and the walls don't smoke.

Parents smoking in front of their kids can put their kids at risk for respiratory ailments so parents may want to smoke at a distance away
from their kids.

If I can cough nonstop from someone else's smoking, it can't be good for my lungs or for me.

Posted By Morgan on August 3, 2009, 5:20 PM

I'm on my way to Istanbul at the end of the month and there could not possibly be any more welcome news. I may even be able to pack a little lighter as I will not have to "burn" everything after an evening out.

Posted By P. M. P. Mongeon on August 3, 2009, 5:50 PM

Istanbul is my favorite city; I don't go places because they are smoke-free environments--I go because I want to see the places. Turks love to smoke, and I think they should do as they please. I don't smoke, but I don't mind if other people do. The ban on smoking will make no difference to me. I will go back to Istanbul again and again because I love it there--not because smoking is banned.

Posted By GT on August 3, 2009, 5:52 PM

What planet are these people from who say that secondhand smoke does not harm others??? they must be totally ignorant!!

Posted By kate on August 3, 2009, 6:46 PM

Tobacco smoke is a Toxic Air Contaminant - indoors AND outdoors. Hurrah for Turkey for its ban. After our trip to beautiful Austria, we simply decided we couldn't endure another smoke-filled restaurant so "smoke-free" is a top criteria for where we'll travel. The good news is more and more countries are protecting their citizens' health and that of visitors by going smoke-free.

Posted By Carolyn on August 3, 2009, 6:49 PM

To Warren Pugh,
As a long time visitor to Turkey, let me please
encourage you to give that beautiful country another
chance. Ankara is terrible in the summer. The
coastal areas are lovely in the summer. Hooray for
the smoking ban, I say. The smoking ban, by the way,
has nothing to do with religious views in Turkey. It
is a huge health issue with alarming rates of lung
cancer and heart disease. Lila

Posted By Lila on August 3, 2009, 8:04 PM

Hey, I spent June '09 living with Turks, in Manissa, Izmir, Urla, Marmara Island. If you did not smoke, they sometimes would inquire if it bothered you and refrain. Turks are fabulous modern people, the country is secular so this is not a religious rule.I would have no problem going into a cafe anywhere.I have not checked but I assume that in the USA there have been people that have blown up about non-smoking laws and committed violence. Violent acts are not just happening in Turkey, but they happen all over the world, anywhere someone gets angry about some issue...! If you get a chance go to Turkey, whether you smoke or not (I don't smoke), have a great time, eat outside in most places, enjoy the food the scenery and the people!

Posted By Carl Yerington on August 3, 2009, 8:11 PM

Anyone who thinks there is no conclusive evidence tha second hand smoke kills has not been reading the reports I have been reading.
The only people who should be objecting to this ban are the cigarette mfrs., the casket manufacturers and funeral directors, and the oncologists, as it will cut into their business significantly.
Stop making up excuses and face reality.
Smoke and second hand smoke kill
D

Posted By Dean on August 3, 2009, 8:47 PM

I travel extensively and am much more likely to frequent an establishment that is smoke free.

Posted By Bill Reger-Nash on August 3, 2009, 9:15 PM

Ah, all the comments attacking smoke and smokers as a "public health" issue. First, either smoking or the lack thereof should never prevent you from experiencing a culture and history as rich as that of Turkey. Second, as a health care professional, yes--it is obvious that smoking is not a good health choice, but all of the witch-hunting going on to ban smoking is a little ridiculous. It seems to be yet another American obsession with mortality (as is our obsession with youth, and all of the expensive cosmetic and surgical things people here do to our bodies, faces, hair, etc.). In all of my experience, I would say that genes play into things the most--and next, diet and exercise. But mostly genes. So even if you avoid smoke/smoking, you can still (and likely will--no matter how healthy you think you are) die suffering of something else. Sorry. Years of working in a hospital makes me tell it like it is.
Even if you don't smoke, and boast proudly of the smoke-free bans going on, you too will die some day. I mean really, folks, is this a health care issue, or an obsession with mortality? There are a lot worse things than smoking (especially diet) and especially the banning of smoking from outdoor areas is completely ridiculous (and futile). We endure so much air pollution that second hand smoke (OUTSIDE) is negligible!!!! Such legislation just makes people "feel better."

Really, if you are worried about your lungs, you would not be wasting your time on banning cigarette smoke, but on banning industrial air pollution, fuel-inefficient cars (especially those "mini-buses" that people pass off as "sports utility vehicles"--news flash: waaaay worse for the air and your lungs than cigarette smoke!), or the like. The smoking bans are just fads. They will be permanent, however. But they won't save your life. Sorry! (also, pre-smoking ban--if you didn't like someone's smoke, maybe YOU should not go into that establishment. Based on our Constitution, it should technically be the business owner's right. It's not a public place--it's a business. Courthouses and parks are public places.)

Posted By Laura on August 3, 2009, 10:18 PM

It must be smokers who are making the outraged comments. Non smokers don't EVER want to be around smokers -- they stink. Yes, air is poluted by other things as well, but but that just makes smoking that much more of a hazard on top of car exhaust, etc. I definitely am more inclined to travel to places that limit smoking in public places.

Posted By Marcia on August 3, 2009, 10:49 PM

I live and work in Istanbul. The air is polluted with exhaust from traffic jams all day. As you arrive from ferries you can see it. This is also true of Los Angeles...Beverly Hills, West Hollywood where I have a place.

Anything we can do to reduce the air pollution is good for all of us and the environment. Respect me and don't make me breathe your smoke. If you must sit outside and have it drift away from my face. I have asthma and I quite smoking 3 packs a day 30 years ago when Minnesota was the first to ban smoking indoors. It helped me quit.

Posted By Worldtraveler 2 on August 4, 2009, 3:38 AM

My wife and I spent two weeks in Turkey recently as part of an 8 week trip through Eastern Europe, that was a truely great trip, and I can honestly
say I was really unaware of any effects of the smoking public in Turkey. A few years ago, in a large beer hall/restaurant in Germany I saw a great many people smoking but did not smell anything.....They really KNOW HOW TO USE EXHAUST
FANS, and there were a lot of smokers there. Too bad we would rather pass restrictive useless laws.

Posted By ray fink on August 4, 2009, 10:23 AM

I would visit Turkey either way but I will be much happier without all that nasty second-hand smoke blowing my way. I detest cigarette smoke.

Posted By Forgotten Sage on August 4, 2009, 12:12 PM

Whew... I have to agree with those who can't take any more smoke. I do agree with those who say that cars are the bigger problem, and given the choice, I'd say enforcing smogging of cars in Turkey (and do they still use leaded gas?) and Egypt and other countries without such strictures is more important. In my trips to Turkey and Egypt, I had terrible, terrible allergic reactions to the smog. I'll spare you the disgusting details, but it really was brutal, we're not lying. It was the only drawback to these fine places, whose people were just as kind, friendly, warm and welcoming as could be.

I'm not severely allergic to cigarette smoke, but I'm in Paris now, and was in Montreal last month. I swear to you, I simply cannot breathe most of the time in Paris, and couldn't breathe, in Montreal. Even at the concert I went to in Montreal, where I was trapped, guys right next to me were smoking cigarettes. It's murder. I really can't stand it. Smokers, I guess, don't know what it's like. In Paris, smoking is banned in restaurants, but not on the sidewalk tables. Seems a fair compromise to me, though I find myself holding my breath for five minutes at a time often.

Thank you to those smokers who are nice enough to be considerate and check whether they're causing anyone horror.

Posted By AndrewH on August 4, 2009, 1:03 PM

I'm a smoker. Since a live in California I'm used to not smoking in restaurants and bars, but far too often it goes to far. If I goes to a restaurant I don't want a smoker next to me. However, a business should be allowed to either have an enclosed or outdoor area that smokers could also enjoy. For business owners this might mean a customer stays long and buys more.

Posted By Randy on August 4, 2009, 6:57 PM

I am Turkish and living abroad. I visit Turkey very often with my two small kids. I was completely bothered in some of the restaurants until now. Hopefully this ban will change the addiction/dependence of some people since it is completely unbearable to go out of a restaurant/bar just for a cigarette ...

Posted By Esra on August 5, 2009, 5:53 AM

I am pleased that more states and countries are going smoke free. I suffer from the effects of second hand smoke daily. I had to have sinus surgery once as a result. Even smoke outdoors, including campfire smoke, effects me the same way. If I am around smoke for just a couple of minutes, my sinuses swell up. If they stay swollen too long, then they become infected. Just as I do not have the right to inflict harm on someone else by punching them in the nose if I don't like them, they should not have the right to inflict harm on me by lighting up a cigarette in my presence.

Posted By Craig on August 5, 2009, 5:56 AM

Please share some of the benefits of smoking with me. People die in droves yearly as a result of indulging in this pasttime. People lose their homes and lives because of careless smokers who ignite fires when they fall asleep while smoking. As an asthmatic, I have experienced shortness of breath, became choked up, coughed and experienced burning eyes and nose because someone wanted to exercise their "right" to smoke to the detriment of my health and wellbeing. While smoking is not illegal in this country, it should be restricted to places where those who have to breathe will not be impacted by this nasty habit. Freedom of choice should be extended to those who prefer not to be subjected to the noxious fumes of smokers who seem to care only about themselves.

Posted By Yvonne on August 5, 2009, 3:29 PM

Smoking bans inside rooms -- including hotels, bars, restaurants, airport lounges, etc. -- are long overdue. I'm highly allergic to smoke, and have stayed out of places where the smoking effects are too strong, as are almost all bars. It was great last fall to go into Frankfurt Airport and be able to breathe for a change. There's no reason the majority of people -- who don't smoke -- have to put up with the nasty and harmful smokers.

Posted By Jim Bryant on August 6, 2009, 11:53 AM