Cold Turkey

Less than two centuries after Columbus discovered “certain dried leaves” in 1492, Ottoman sultan Murad IV became one of the world’s first rulers to ban smoking. He saw it as morally wrong and bad for the health. The same view is shared by Turkey’s current prime minister, who sees his wish for a blanket smoking ban in enclosed spaces start on Saturday. Good luck. Turkey ranks 10th in the world in terms of numbers of smokers, according to the World Health Organisation.

But, as the 52nd country goes smoke-free, tobacco companies need not worry. They are banking on the developing world, where 70 per cent of all cigarettes are lit. Even if a few Turks kick the habit, India has a 10th of the planet’s smokers, despite introducing a ban last year. And China remains a free-for-all, with a lung-busting third of all puffers.