Istanbul is known for its history, having been home to many empires, its majestic skyline and the stunning Bosphorus. But, really, this is a city of cats. Istanbulis share the city with about 125,000 cats. And those are just street cats, if you include domestic cats, the cat population rises to about 200,000, more than the population of many cities and countries!

The origin of Cat City

Istanbul's cat culture dates back to the Byzantine and Ottoman Empires. Due to the importance of its location, Istanbul has been a busy trade and shipping center since ancient times, and cats have played a vital role in this environment. They were introduced into cities to control rat infestations and to protect grain stocks and cargo on ships.

Guardian of the city

In modern Istanbul, cats are still an integral part of city life. They can be found in every corner of the city, from bustling streets to quiet alleys, from historic mosques to modern cafes, cats live in every corner of the city, becoming the true guardians of the city.

The relationship between cats and residents

Residents of Istanbul have a deep affection and respect for cats. Here, cats are not only regarded as pets, but also as part of the city and a spiritual symbol. Local people will provide stray cats with food and water, and even prepare warm shelters for them during the cold winter months.

The embodiment of culture and art

Cats are deeply embedded in Istanbul's culture and art. You can see cat-themed artworks, sculptures and souvenirs in many parts of the city. Cats even appear in literature and movies.

The symbol of Cat City

For many visitors, Istanbul's cats are one of their strongest memories of the city. They symbolize the inclusive, independent and free spirit of the city. Istanbul cats, with their laid-back posture and unique personality, perfectly embody the charm and diversity of the city.

Visit local cafes: Many cafes and restaurants in Istanbul welcome cats. You can enjoy the food and interact with the cats at the same time.

Furry body, cute nose, and full meow...... Every cat has its own place in Istanbul, occupying a huge place in the hearts of Istanbulians and sharing their lives throughout the city. On almost every street in Istanbul, there are cat food and water bowls, as well as cat "houses". Residents in each district take care of street cats, and the municipality provides free medical services for stray cats.

Istanbul cats seem to have their own territory, and to be honest, sometimes they look as if they are ready to claim yours too. But you're unlikely to see such fat, healthy and happy cats anywhere else in the world, and Istanbul's cats exude a biological confidence that they know they're valued. Therefore, it is fair to call this city "the City of cats".

Why do people in Istanbul love cats so much? This is not a difficult question to answer: sincerity and honesty come first here, and you will always find someone who is willing to listen to you and help you. We can illustrate Istanbul's love of cats with a quote from Hemingway.

"A cat has absolute emotional honesty: humans, for one reason or another, may hide their feelings, but cats don't."

Istanbul's cat history: Where did they come from?

Those who are curious about the history of cats in Istanbul must delve into the past. Although the history of domesticated cats is not as long as that of dogs, Istanbul's relationship with cats began in Anatolia and ancient Egyptian civilizations.

We know that in ancient Egypt, cats were considered quite important and were even sometimes buried with the pharaohs. Since the pharaohs were considered "god Kings" in ancient Egyptian culture, we can say that cats were also considered divine beings. In fact, the head of the Egyptian goddess Bastet, who was believed to provide protection, happiness, and health, was a cat. In later times, Basterts were guardians of women, children, and domestic cats.

In Mesopotamia, where agriculture was first developed, cats kept rodent populations in balance, preventing the creatures from eating grain and spreading disease. It was the first step in a genuine friendship between the felines and humans of Anatolia.

Scientific studies have shown that all cats come from Anatolia and Egypt. In a joint study from Sapienza University of Rome and the Royal Belgian Institute of Natural Sciences, scientists Claudio Ottoni, Wim Van Neer, Bea de Cupere and Julien Daligault examined the DNA from the remains of more than 200 cats, This conclusion was reached. Hunting cats in Anatolia adapted to urban life during the Ottoman era, and Istanbul's cat population increased with each century. As a result, Istanbul's cat culture has unfolded...

Istanbul's famous cats: Gli and Tombili

Some cats in Istanbul have become quite famous. Tombili is a plump white and tiger-skin cat. Tombili, which means "mellow" in Turkish, is a beloved feline resident of the Turkish city of Istanbul. He usually likes to lean on the steps of the street, lazy to look at the scenery, so it became popular on the Internet, everyone called him "the world's most comfortable cat", cat owners all over the world rushed to see him.

When the Internet celebrity cat died in 2016 and a petition was launched asking for a statue to be built as a memorial, the local government brought in sculptors to create a 1:1 bronze statue of Tombili. The designer said the statue was meant to remind people that no matter how fast life is, it is necessary to stop and enjoy the moment once in a while.

However, the most prominent cat in Istanbul may well be Gli. Gli, a green-eyed tabby cat, has been the de facto guardian of Hagia Sophia's Grand Mosque since 2004. She died in 2020, amid an outpouring of grief from cat fans around the world. Gli has its own Instagram page with 100,000 followers and has appeared in thousands of other photos of the Hagia Sophia Mosque, including a photo with former U.S. President Barack Obama. Gli is now part of the legend of the Great Mosque of Hagia Sophia and is probably one of the most famous cats in the world.