Monday, May 19, 2008

Reluctant Turks prepare for smoking ban

"Reluctant Turks prepare for smoking ban

For decades the tobacco haze filling Turkey's bars, restaurants and workplaces has been as much a feature of the country's cultural landscape as the stunning architecture of its mosques and historical buildings.

But now Turkey's image as a land of hardened smokers appears doomed to obsolescence as it prepares to follow the international fashion for blanket public smoking bans. A prohibition on smoking will be phased in from today in what is certain to be a profound culture shock for millions of Turks used to lighting up with impunity regardless of the setting."

More:Guardian