Noisy Horns, Silent Streets? An Odd Historical Noise Rule from Türkiye

In certain neighborhoods of İstanbul, folklore and some historical accounts suggest that during the 1960s and 1970s, there was an informal but widely respected custom discouraging the use of vehicle horns except in emergencies. While not officially codified in national law, local authorities reportedly encouraged drivers to limit horn usage to maintain calmer urban environments. This custom was tied to complaints about rising noise pollution in bustling city areas, particularly near markets and residential quarters. There are tales of policemen gently reminding drivers to reserve their horns for genuine hazards rather than casual signaling. Although modern traffic laws govern horn use more explicitly today, this anecdote remains a curious example of how noise and nuisance were once managed in a culturally nuanced way in Türkiye. Due to limited official documentation, this practice remains anecdotal but widely known among local historians and older residents.