The return to dark days has officially begun
Clocks were set back one hour in Europe as the winter time transition took effect. In Turkey, however, where winter time is not observed, employees and students heading out in the dark are expressing their frustration.
12punto
Last night, the winter time transition began in European countries, and clocks were set back by one hour. This has increased the time difference between Turkey and Europe to two hours. Since winter time is not observed in Turkey, it remains dark during the morning hours, creating difficulties especially for employees and students.
WINTER TIME IS NOT OBSERVED IN TURKEY
Turkey has abolished the winter time transition since 2016. Consequently, sunrise occurs later during the autumn and winter months. Citizens who have to go to school and work in the mornings are forced to set out in a cold and dark environment as it is not yet light outside. In Europe, however, setting the clocks back makes it possible to benefit more from daylight in the morning hours.
'WE ARE NOT CONSIDERING A CHANGE'
Responding to journalists' questions before an AKP group meeting, Minister of Agriculture and Forestry Vahit Kirişci had made statements regarding the winter time transition, saying, "We are not considering a change; provinces can make their own arrangements regarding working and school hours." However, no significant change has been observed in this regard so far.
PAY ATTENTION TO PHONE AND COMPUTER SETTINGS
Even though winter time is not observed in Turkey, some phones and computers may automatically set their clocks back. This can lead users to operate with incorrect time information. Checking device settings is important to avoid any issues with the time.
Since the practice was abolished in Turkey, demands from citizens to bring back the winter time transition have continued. However, statements from government officials indicate that a change in this regard is not expected anytime soon.
SINCE WHEN HAS WINTER TIME BEEN OBSERVED?
The summer and winter time transition was first used in 1916 during World War I in the German Empire, Austria-Hungary, and Great Britain. This practice aimed to increase the duration of daylight utilization.
In Germany, the summer time regulation ended before 1949, was reintroduced in the 1970s after the oil crises in the Federal Republic, and again in 1980 for energy conservation. It ended at the end of September 1995, and has been in use since 1996, just as it is in all other member countries of the European Union.