15 Cute Cats Of Istanbul

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Istanbul has a rich tapestry of history, culture, and—yes—cats!

Wandering through its cobblestone streets, you can’t help but notice the multitude of cats that seemingly own the city.

Here are 15 of the cutest cats found around the City.

Credit: https://flic.kr/s/aHsj8iMEVP

Why Istanbul Loves Cats

  • Historical and Religious Foundations: Cats are revered in Islam. The hadith, which contains the sayings and actions of Prophet Muhammad, details the Prophet’s love for cats. It’s even said that he cut off his sleeve once rather than disturb a cat sleeping on his robe. Cats were historically guardians in the Islamic world, protecting libraries from mice and cities from rat-borne plagues.
  • Cultural Celebrations: Cats are deeply rooted in the cultural fabric of Istanbul. From fulfilling ancient obligations like feeding them at the High Court’s gardens to contemporary tales where a cafe owner gifts a cat an entire chicken drumstick, these cats aren’t mere strays but members of the community.
  • Cats in Digital Age: The cats of Istanbul have also taken over social media. For instance, an Instagram account dedicated to the Hagia Sofia Cat has amassed over 119,000 followers.

Challenges for Cats In Istanbul

Despite the love, it’s not all purrs and pets for Istanbul’s cats.

Walking further from the main tourist areas, cats appear less nourished.

Catfights at night echo through the streets, and overpopulation remains a problem.

While Turkey introduced an animal welfare law in 2004, penalties for violations are limited to fines.

However, Turkey’s relationship with animals is changing.

In 2023, Diyarbakır City built 200 wooden shelters for stray animals, a sign of growing empathy.

A law proposal could now criminalize animal mistreatment, making it punishable by jail time.

A 2017 documentary titled “Kedi” offers a vivid portrayal of a day in the life of Istanbul’s cats, highlighting the challenges they face due to the city’s rapid modernization.

Final Thoughts

Istanbul’s streets are a haven for cats, a tradition rooted in its historical and religious background.

While challenges persist, the community’s love for its feline companions ensures they’re not just strays but integral parts of the city’s landscape.

Whether you’re a tourist or a resident in Istanbul, every day is potentially Caturday!


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