All restaurants, bars and cafés in Turkey are now officially smoke free.
I thought that would cheer some of you up.

Wait a second - you mean there are no hooka bars?

Well that doesn't cheer me up at all, I should have waited 6 months for my Turkey trip.

Just kidding, thanks for the info.

Wow, never thought I'd see the day! Many people I know are probably reeeeaaalllly upset. What about the huqqah bars?

What does Moslemism say about tobacco - forbids it? If so i am surprised it took so long.

I would be very surprised if the Muslim faith forbids smoking. The smokiest countries I've ever visited were Egypt, Jordan and Turkey. If it is forbidden, that rule is widely ignored.

"With the amendment made to Law 4207 on the Prevention of the Harmful Effects of Tobacco Products, smoking will not be permitted in indoor sections of cafes, bars, restaurants and the like as of July 19."

http://www.todayszaman.com/tz-web/ne...-minister.html

Based on changes made to law No. 4207, which regulates tobacco and the consumption of tobacco products, the use of tobacco products was banned in May 2008 in enclosed areas of buildings providing public services; buildings that cater to educational, health, production, commercial, social, cultural and sporting activities; and all forms of public transport, including taxis. This ban was extended on Sunday to include restaurants, coffeehouses, cafeterias and bars.

http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/n.p...ere-2009-07-20

Palenque Turkey is (still) a secular state, so what Islam says about smoking is irrelevant there as far as the law of the land goes.