Kolonya: Turkey's unique hand-sanitizing method
bbc.com
bbc.com
Traditionally, you would offer some as you welcome your guests to your home. It is also a great refresher, I always have a bottle in my house and not only you would use it for your hands but also you can put some on your face and neck. (Like an after shave, but less aromatic) So I have one bottle on my desk and unconsciously keep disinfecting myself.
I can't imagine doing that easily with a commercial sanitizer when somebody arrives in your home :)
Currently here in Ontario when you go to the liquor store (LCBO), they ask a series of questions and then spray your hands with commercial hand sanitizer before letting you in. It is... weird.
The hand sanitizer on entry requirement is also in Ontario hospitals, although they just watch you use the dispenser yourself at the screening station in my experience.
My understanding is the custom is probably more widespread than it being endemic to Turkey.
"In a base of dilute ethanol (70–90%), eau de cologne contains a mixture of citrus oils"