Cats of Istanbul

"Kedin var mı?"

Translation - Do you have a cat?

If you are a resident of Istanbul, you will most likely answer "evet bir kedim var." "Yes, I have a cat." The cats of Istanbul may take issue with this because we all know that you never really own a cat; they own you. Regardless of ownership, Istanbul offers magical moments as you lose yourself in its winding streets, with cats at every turn. You may find a kedi curled up on someone's lap in a sidewalk cafe, sleeping on fabric at the Grand Bazaar, or perched on magazines and books at a newsstand. Please don't call them strays because they are beloved and doted on by the residents of Istanbul. Unlike many cities that pity or shoo away stray animals, Istanbul embraces its cats with rare and genuine affection. It's standard for locals to set out bowls of food and water outside their homes and businesses.

People in Istanbul make a space for them, whether curled up on a shelf in the public library or lazing in the doorway to a store. It's like a silent agreement between the residents and their cherished kediler. The strong bond between Istanbul's people and its cats dates back to the Ottoman Empire. This relationship might come from religious or spiritual beliefs (Many believe that the Prophet Muhammad himself had a soft spot for cats) or practical reasons (like cats controlling pests and living harmoniously with people).

There are approximately 125,000 community cats in Istanbul, including some famous ones.

One famous resident of Istanbul was named Gli. She was a Turkish Angora cat who lived for 16 years in the Hagia Sophia. The Hagia Sophia was built in the 6th century and has served as a church, museum, and mosque. It is currently a mosque, and tourists and those who attended religious services would search for Gli. Sadly, Gli passed away in 2020, and while you can't visit her, you are never far from finding a feline who wants your attention.

While these kediler may be community cats, locals still give them names and look after them. Some of the more tech-savvy locals even share the daily lives of "their cats" via social media. Instagram has become the leading platform for residents to share their cat-friendly culture. Have you seen the "Cats of Istanbul" on Instagram? A quick search of the hashtag #catsofistanbul will return a whopping 225K carousels and reels of content. One that I clicked on showed a video of a man playing a concert in the park for residents (by that, I mean the cats), and they were gathered around him, enjoying the show. While the cats take center stage, they also invite us into the soul of Istanbul, where humans and felines share space in a rhythm that flows effortlessly, almost instinctively. What's most heartwarming is that this care is largely community-driven. While shelters and volunteers assist some cats, the majority are cared for informally by everyday citizens. In Istanbul, kindness toward animals isn't merely an act of charity—it's more of a shared, collectively embraced value. The cats of Istanbul offer a simple, yet profound, lesson: cities do not exclusively belong to humans. They, rather, belong to all the creatures residing within them. Respect, tolerance, and a quiet sense of care can significantly enhance urban life for all, whether furry or otherwise.

 Planning a trip to Istanbul?

Don't simply gaze up at the minarets or across the captivating Bosphorus. Instead, look down—you may find a whiskered little ambassador waiting to welcome you.

The Official Istanbul Cats Instagram account provided the pictures for the blog. For more lovely pictures, please follow them @istanbulcatsofficial