In the early 1900s; manufacturers of Turkish and Egyptian cigarettes tripled their sales and became legitimate competitors to leading brands. In 1911; The American Tobacco Company introduced Omar; a premium Turkish blend cigarette; in order to compete with other leading Turkish brands like Murad.

The cigarette was named after the medieval Persian poet Omar Khayyam; who experienced a resurgence of popularity from 1900-1930. Advertisements for Omar cigarettes referenced Khayyam's famous poem; The Rubaiyat ; and focused on themes of pleasure; leisure; and luxury. Pictures From History Pictures From History