Tobacco use kills approximately 125,000 people in Türkiye every year, including some 25,000 nonsmokers exposed to secondhand smoke, according to figures cited by the Health Ministry.
The scale of the toll means that, on average, one person in Türkiye dies from smoking-related causes every four minutes.
The country also ranks first worldwide in lung cancer incidence and related deaths among men, underscoring the heavy health burden associated with tobacco use.
The impact extends beyond smokers themselves. Secondhand smoke exposure is particularly concerning for children, increasing the risk of respiratory problems including asthma, bronchitis, middle-ear problems and reduced lung function.
Tobacco use also affects reproductive health. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), women who use tobacco face a 40% higher risk of infertility than those who do not.
Smoking is also associated with adverse effects on sperm and lower success rates for assisted reproductive treatments such as in vitro fertilization.
Türkiye offers free smoking-cessation services through the Health Ministry, including counseling and follow-up support.
People seeking to quit can call the ALO 171 Smoking Cessation Hotline, which operates around the clock, or request an appointment through the Centralized Hospital Appointment System (MHRS) by calling 182. They can also apply directly to smoking-cessation clinics.
People who decide to quit are provided with follow-up calls at regular intervals as part of their cessation plans.
