Love them or hate them, face masks have become a symbol of the coronavirus pandemic. While the use of face-coverings has been controversial, and a topic of hot debate, more and more countries are passing laws requiring citizens to wear face masks while out and about. Turkey is no exception.
About a month ago, due to the number of covid cases, which were starting to climb again, the Turkish government passed a law that requires everyone over the age of two years old to wear a face mask in public.
This is particularly important in places where social distancing is impossible: for example, in gatherings, and on public transport.
As with any rule, there are a few people who will opt to ignore the law, and go without a mask. But those who leave the home without a face covering are liable for a 900TL (US$131) fine.
In short, anywhere you're bound to encounter crowds.
In some parts of the country, for example, Mugla, which encompasses Bodrum and Fethiye, laws are even stricter, and you'll need to wear a mask any time you're outside of your home.
There are a very few exceptions to the rules. You can remove your face mask:
However, the general rule of thumb is that you should be wearing a face mask as a default.
When Turkey reopened for business a month or so ago - opening the doors of malls, mosques and other public facilities - numbers of coronavirus cases began to inch up. The climbing numbers prompted swift measures from the government, including strict adherence to social distancing and hand washing, and the mandatory use of face masks.
A month later, Turkey's cases are falling again, but authorities remain on high alert for pinch points like the outdoor gatherings that come with warm weather, and festivals like Kurban Bayram.