Bahçelievler Municipality, under the auspices of the Minister of Environment and Forestry Osman Pepe, organized a ceremony attended by approximately 1,000 guests, students, and Smoke Hunters. All primary school students in Bahçelievler were educated on the dangers of smoking. Their parents quit smoking and were rewarded. A similar event was repeated: Bahçelievler Municipality, under the auspices of Minister Osman Pepe, held a ceremony with around 1,000 participants including students and Smoke Hunters. All primary school students in Bahçelievler were educated about smoking. Their parents quit smoking and received awards.

In cooperation with Kartal Municipality and our association, seminars were held in all primary schools, and Smoke Hunters Theater performances were staged. At the opening ceremony of this program, Artist Cüneyt Arkın, Kartal Mayor Arif Dağlar, Board Member Selçuk Alagöz, and the Smoke Hunters were present.

In collaboration with Çekmeköy Municipality, seminars were organized in all primary schools located in the Çekmeköy district. Similarly, in cooperation with Zeytinburnu Municipality, seminars were held in all primary schools within the Zeytinburnu district.

Dr. Aydın emphasized that the primary goal of the workshop organized jointly by the Istanbul Governorship, Turkish Anti-Smoking Association, and Istanbul Public Health Directorate was to prevent legal violations. He stated: “Some private institutions are violating the law and leading our youth astray. The main issue here is education. These violations occur because we fail to sufficiently educate our people and students about the dangers of smoking. In countries with low education levels, inspections play a key role. Therefore, our district governors and law enforcement officers, who hold the inspection mechanisms, must not act leniently when they detect violations. They must impose the penalties prescribed by law. Unfortunately, despite a significant number of inspections, the

rate of penalties imposed is around only one percent. For instance, in Turkey in 2015, out of 346,791 businesses inspected, violations were found in 4,907. Penalizing only one percent of such locations shows there is negligence. Our inspectors must be more sensitive.”

“THEY TURN A BLIND EYE TO THE DEATH OF OUR YOUTH” “Another important issue is the kiosks that sell cigarettes near educational institutions where youth are concentrated. These places allow children—barely more than kids—to die for the sake of earning a little money. We must all join this mobilization effort, including educational and health institutions. However, we can only achieve results if parents and community leaders show sensitivity on this issue. Educational programs about tobacco and tobacco products must definitely be introduced in schools.

Seminars should also be conducted periodically in places where people gather, such as coffeehouses, companies, and public institutions, to explain the economic, social, health, and genetic impacts of smoking and to reveal the true face of tobacco. Visual and written media should be used more effectively.

For example, during prime time on television or in a corner of newspapers, messages could be broadcast explaining how smoking is dragging humanity down and the damage it causes. Communication information for smoking cessation centers should also be prominently displayed for those who wish to quit smoking.”