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Turkey: Overview

Turkish smokers tend to smoke high tar cigarettes which make up 80% of cigarette sales. 49.4% of males and 17.6% of females are smokers in Turkey. An average smoker consumes 1,373 sticks annually. Increasingly, smokers are turning to lower tar and nicotine cigarettes as they attempt a “healthier lifestyle.” Nargile smoking, or waterpipe smoking- the most traditional form of smoking tobacco in Turkey - has seen a resurgence in popularity. Tobacco companies, eager to take advantage of the trend, have invested in the production of as many as 30 flavored tobaccos to be used in nargile smoking including banana, apple, peach, mint, rose and cappuccino.

Turkey ratified the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control on December 31, 2004.

Under new law, passed on January 3, 2008, Turkey is virtually smokefree. Smoking is permitted only in private homes and some hotel rooms. Designated smoking areas are to be established in mental health hospitals, elderly care facilities, prisons, ships, and at sport, cultural, art and entertainment events. In 2005 one of the most affluent cities in the country began a ‘smokeless table’ practice to push local restaurants to go totally smoke-free.

Tobacco taxation rates are high in Turkey with 77% of the retail price of cigarettes being tax.

Advertising tobacco products is prohibited from television and radio. The Ministry of Education is required to contribute to offsetting the impact of tobacco advertising on youth by including information on the dangers of tobacco use into its national curriculum.

Health warning labels are required on cigarette packs and must cover 30% of the front and 40% of the back of the pack. Health warning messages follow the European Union standard.

Sources: Euromonitor, ACS: Tobacco Atlas (second edition), FCA