After Columbus's discovery of the Americas in 1492, tobacco, observed being consumed by the indigenous people, was introduced to Europe. Derived from the leaves of a plant belonging to the nightshade family, tobacco was rolled in paper and became known as a cigarette. However, cigarettes, a highly addictive and harmful tobacco product due to the hazardous substances in their smoke, have led to restrictions and penalties on tobacco consumption in many countries worldwide, including our own.
An Artwork from the Tobacco Clubs in Europe
Throughout history, there have been prohibitions on tobacco, even in our predecessor state, the Ottoman Empire. While King James I and IV of England were personally against tobacco, they did not impose a widespread ban. The first notable restriction on tobacco in history was actually imposed on the substance itself, not its consumption. It is worth noting that restrictions on tobacco were driven by various factors, including personal ambitions, commercial concerns, and preventing the unity of communities, rather than solely due to its perceived health risks.
The Era of Sultan Murad IV and the Tobacco Ban
In the early 1500s, Turks were introduced to tobacco through its import from Egypt to Anatolia. Sultan Murad IV (reigned 1623-1640) was a disciplined and ruthless ruler. He is best known for his strict enforcement of the tobacco ban, now known as the Ottoman Tobacco Ban. Sultan Murad personally supervised the implementation of this ban. He applied a firm policy of suppression, going as far as patrolling the streets of Istanbul incognito at night to observe if the ban was being violated. He personally raided and demolished many taverns. When he caught those who defied the ban, he ordered their execution.
Sultan Murad IV was Vigilant About Tobacco Use
This period of tobacco prohibition led to a significant loss of life, with an estimated 20,000 individuals believed to have been killed under the ban. Sultan Murad issued a fatwa calling for the execution of tobacco users. Those who did not comply with the ban were punished by execution. Within the army, those caught using tobacco had their limbs broken and their necks struck. Even the chimneys of houses were inspected to identify those who were using tobacco. It's worth noting that another prohibition of this period was the ban on walking at night with a lantern, just to add a curious detail.
However, it can be argued that the tobacco ban of this period was not primarily motivated by health concerns. At the time, the harmful effects of the tobacco consumed were not as well understood as they are today. Sultan Murad IV's prohibition of tobacco and alcohol stemmed more from his desire to prevent people from congregating with these common habits. The ban is known to have begun after the great Istanbul fire of 1630, which was attributed to tobacco.
When we look at the history of the Ottoman Empire, apart from the era of Sultan Murad IV, tobacco remained unrestricted in all other periods.
The 1891 Tobacco Protest in Iran
During the reign of Nasir al-Din Shah, originally of Kaçkar Turk descent, Iran was weakened towards the end of the 19th century due to wars with the Russians. The country was in urgent need of money, and Nasir al-Din Shah found the solution in Western merchants. He handed over all tobacco rights in Iran to retired British Major Gerald Talbot, albeit for not a very high sum.
Although the amount was not substantial, the transfer was significant. All rights related to tobacco (cultivation, sales, processing, etc.) would be controlled by Talbot and his company.
However, this transfer triggered a rebellion among many merchants and tradespeople. Those engaged in trade wanted this privilege to be revoked. The Shah rejected all demands. However, the power of the people, which the Shah ignored, proved effective. Businessmen united, and with the support of important religious figures, including Ayatollah Mirza Shirazi, one of the most prominent scholars in the Shia world at the time, they managed to rally the entire population of Iran to quit using tobacco.
Soon after, demonstrations started across the country, leading to the bankruptcy of Talbot's companies. As a result, Nasir al-Din Shah revoked all the privileges he had granted to Talbot.
Again, it is worth noting that while the tobacco ban in Iran was not directly related to health concerns, it was initiated through the religious authority's fatwa and followed by widespread public support.
The Nazi Ban on Smoking (1933-1945)
With the rise of the Nazis to power in Germany in 1933, the stage was set for the path to World War II, marking a period known for restrictions and bans. While the policies and human rights violations of the Nazi era are seen as a dark chapter in history, one of the significant contributions made by the Nazis to humanity was the comprehensive restrictions and bans on tobacco and tobacco products enforced by the state.
In the early 20th century, when the carcinogenic properties and other negative aspects of smoking were scientifically established, the first anti-tobacco movements emerged in Germany. However, they did not have a lasting impact. Fang Yizbi, who first stated in 1601 that long-term tobacco use decayed the lungs, was the first to put forth the idea that tobacco products had a negative effect on health. With the advent of Nazi rule, a widespread anti-tobacco sentiment began in the country. Hitler was, of course, the driving force behind this.
Adolf Hitler was a staunch smoker in his youth, but when he realized the waste of money on tobacco, he became a staunch opponent of cigarettes. After coming to power, he initiated a nationwide anti-smoking campaign. Hitler wanted the Aryan race, which he considered pure, to be healthy, and he saw cigarettes as a genetic enemy of the pure race. He began to characterize nicotine as a poison for the Aryan race, and posters condemning smoking were produced.
During the Nazi regime, the world witnessed one of the largest anti-smoking movements. The government openly condemned smoking, and stockpiles of cigarettes in the army (Wehrmacht) were restricted. Similarly, restrictions were imposed on cigarette sales for expectant mothers and all women, who were considered of great genetic importance. Conferences were organized nationwide and within the army, with intensive participation of scientists, to educate about the harms of smoking. Subsequently, smoking was banned in public spaces. Tobacco taxes were also increased. When World War II began, although not always adhered to, smoking was prohibited in the German army.
Hitler, although an enemy of cigarettes due to his frugality, had close associates who were smokers, which greatly angered him. It is known that he was particularly infuriated by Hermann Göring, a close member of his inner circle and commander of the German Air Force, and Hitler's lover Eva Braun, for smoking cigars. Hitler even became very upset about the creation of a statue of Göring smoking.
In summary, while the era of tobacco prohibition in Germany may seem to have been initiated for health reasons, the main motive was actually Hitler's personal aversion to smoking. Despite all these anti-smoking efforts, research conducted towards the end of the Nazi period revealed an increase in smoking habits among the population. In general, it was observed that the tobacco ban was not very effective. Indeed, after the war, the ban was effectively circumvented by the abundant supply of tobacco to Germany, largely facilitated by America (it's worth noting that the Marshall Plan included shipments of tobacco to Germany), and tobacco consumption was almost encouraged by the United States.
Today, many countries have banned smoking in public spaces. While some countries implement stricter measures against tobacco products, Turkmenistan completely banned the sale and use of cigarettes nationwide in 2016. The first country in the world to completely prohibit the sale and use of tobacco was the Kingdom of Bhutan.
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