But unlike in 17th-century Istanbul, violators won't be executed
Jump to full article: Reuters, 2009-07-16
Intro: Smokers in Turkey tempted to flout an imminent ban in cafes, restaurants and bars will be spared a death sentence — but their prime minister insists the battle against cigarette usage is as crucial as the "struggle against terrorism."
Sultan Murad IV is said to have roamed the streets of 17th-century Istanbul ordering the execution of those who defied a smoking ban aimed at curbing coffee house sedition.
One of the world's oldest prohibitions of smoking, Murad's failed and as tobacco's popularity grew in Turkey, the saying "smoke like a Turk" took root in languages across Europe.
Prime Minister Tayyip Erdogan is now the driving force behind the next phase of a popular ban taking effect on July 19, which aims to curb the habit in a country where 22 million people, including around half the adult male population, smoke.
But at a time of economic crisis, the prohibition — adding restaurants, cafes and bars to the places where smoking is not allowed — is viewed by some as a potential assault on their culture.
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