Meoww! Why Are There So Many Cats In Istanbul?

03 Dec,2023

Credit: Google Images

Although citizens of Istanbul have always loved their cats, the reason for their feline love is rooted in their religion, their culture, and a sense of practicality. The rise of cats in Istanbul dates back to the people who settled the city, the Ottomans. 

Credit: Google Images

Cats in Istanbul: Practicality and Culture 

Cats have a special place in Islamic culture, but cats have also earned their keep as useful members of society in Istanbul. In the days of old, rats, mice, and other vermin were serious problems for large cities.

Credit: Google Images

Practicality 

Based on their practical uses, cats have an important place in Istanbul’s culture. The citizens of Istanbul have created practices that allow these cats to flourish. And some breeds of cats have even become synonymous with the country of Turkey. 

Credit: Google Images

Culture 

One of the main reasons there are so many cats in Istanbul is that the citizens provide them with food, shelter, and water. There are many gardens and parks where people leave food and water, which draws large groups of cats.

Credit: Google Images

The Unspoken Rule 

Some of the cats have even become world-famous. There is a famous cat named Gli that resides in the Hagia Sophia, which is a beautiful mosque-turned-museum. Her adorable antics have made her an Instagram star with over 12,000 followers, and she spends her days posing for the cameras and interacting with the tourists who visit the museum.

Credit: Google Images

World Famous Felines

The cats of Istanbul have become so famous that a documentary was made about them, called “Kedi”. The documentary follows a day in the life of 7 of Istanbul’s 125,000 cats, showing how each of them interacts with the residents of the city and their personalities.

Credit: Google Images