Some estimates of the stray dog population put it at around 130,000. Dont worry, dog lovers: theres a dogs in Istanbul documentary for you too. Istanbul cats reside in churches and mosques: we saw a cat roaming around carelessly at Hagia Sophia in Istanbul. The result is an ever-growing population of cats, with a short life span due to all the dangers associated with outdoor cat living. This cat was dutifully perched atop a stack of vinyls in a record store in Beyolu. Another reason is that Istanbul is located in Turkey, which is a predominantly Muslim country. We hope that you will never be without the purrs and cuddles of the cats of Istanbul during your visits, unless you have allergy. A pretty adorable part of Istanbul for a long time, these street cats have done what many indoor cats do, simply endeared themselves to their human pets. Cats would disembark from the ships and stay in the city. Per the New York Times piece, animal welfare has become a political issue: The issue became so popular, now politicians cannot afford to alienate animal lovers any more, he said. Cats hop onto peoples laps at restaurants, they roam the streets, they jump onto seats in packed bars. Cats are popular pets around the world, but in Turkey, they seem to run the place. Travel Atelier (A5328) by Propertravel Travel Consulting Ltd. Co. A JOURNEY THROUGH THE FOOTHILLS OF KAZ DAGI (MT. Never before was such as dense distribution. After weeks in the city I wanted to know: why are there so many cats in Istanbul? Walking along the streets of Istanbul, one will see cat and dog food all along the streets. Learn more. They were also respected for guarding the city from mice, as well as rats, who carried diseases such as the plague. The trailer for Stray is below, and you can find more info on the Stray website, or Instagram. Reply. This theory dates back to the Ottoman Empire when many wooden houses were invaded by mice and other nasty pests. Cats hop onto peoples laps at restaurants, they roam the streets, they jump onto seats in packed bars. How Do Cats Show Affection? Follow me as I fill my life with dreams, drop the weight and inspire you to live your dreams. Istanbul is the city of cats. Its likely that the cats of Istanbul are collectively very comfortable with people, because theyve been in the city for thousands of years. A group of stray cats explore the interior of a house in the Fatih district, close to the Sleymaniye mosque. Tara Brady Thu Jun 29 2017 - 06:00 For centuries, and through multiple name changes, street cats have roamed the city of Istanbul. Heres a great writeup from the Paris Review called The Alleycats of Istanbul, both about the film and our love of animals. They are believed to be ritually clean and often dubbed the quintessential pet by many Muslims. Similarly, we saw guides feeding the cats in Ephesus and other archeological sites. Furthermore, until 2004 there was no formal animal welfare law in place, and even withthe current law (Animal Welfare Act No. Far from being underfed, one can't help but notice just how overweight and obese these dogs often are. Per the films landing page, Stray seeks to shed light on Turkeys societal convulsions through the observations of Zeytin and her companions both human and nonhuman. Directed by Elizabeth Lo. Can They See in the Dark? How Do People in Istanbul Treat Cats? I trust someone rewarded his good behavior at least once during the evening. Beyond the religious reason for having so many cats in Istanbul, theres also a practical reason: the city lacks a culture of spaying and neutering. Anyone who has been to the spectacular Turkish city of Istanbul will have noticed the sheer number of kitties on the streets in the great city. Regardless of the veracity of these stories, cats are viewed as sacred within the Muslim world. And then youll see a cat holding a fresh fish in her mouth, trotting away. to adorable kittens in boxes around town, the history of Istanbul is not complete without considering a feline presence andthey are firmly wrapped up in my memories of the city. People of Ottoman Empire and Turkey always had a soft spot for cats, mostly with the effect of Islam. With the rise of Turkeys cat population on social media and the newly instated policy which enshrines cats lives in the law, there has also been some good news for Turkeys stray dogs too. Up Next. Learn more about me here My Adventures Across The World participates in several affiliate programs. With my CSF leak, I cannot work as I used to. There is a saying, If youve killed a cat, you need to build a mosque to be forgiven by God.. Why Are There So Many Cats In Istanbul? During the rule of the Ottomans, sultans thought so highly of cats that they kept a private menagerie of exotic cats at the Topkap Palace. No one knows just how large the feral cat population in Istanbul is but estimates range from a hundred thousand to over a million strays. It won't take you long after your arrival in Istanbul to realize just how many cats there are. But in Turkey, they are welcomed to hang out and relax while they savor the leftovers. The government is trying to make better laws against people who might hurt animals and trying to improve the animals conditions throughout the country. If theres anything you know about Istanbul, its probably that there are a whole lot of cats living there. Lounging regally on Turkish towels in the Grand Bazaar and perched on marble stoops at the Hagia Sophia, the furry felines, whose population is estimated to exceed one million, can be found everywhere you go. Many prefer to not go up to the tower, but instead stay down on the street giving their attention to one of Istanbuls Instagram favorites, besides the mosques and the museums: Cats enjoy the sunset on a warm summer day by the sea near the skdar district. Her name was Gli. People come here, fall in love [with the cats] and want to take them back home, and we help them do it. There Even Are Hashtags For Istanbul Cats! The tragic news was announced by Ali Yerlikaya, the governor of Istanbul, himself. Turkish people are very fond of cats, and even if they cant adopt them, they make sure to take care of them by putting out food and water on the streets, usually in front of their homes. I've called the cats strays, but stray really isn't the right descriptor. Video, 00:02:01 Why so many stray cats in Istanbul? The most popular and cost-effective residency portal in Turkey for foreigners. There are even statues of street animals in some cities. You've probably noticed a lot of cats in Istanbul if you have been to this beautiful city. In Istanbuls main tourist areas they were mostly well-fed and clean, and almost all were affectionate. Planning and Budgeting for World Travel The infamous four-legged residents of Istanbul | !Koss / Flickr, Connect with like-minded people on our premium trips curated by local insiders and with care for the world. The cats are simply a part of Istanbul. Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. When it comes to veterinary care, its usually down to well-intentioned individuals again who often rescue stray cats (and dogs) in need, help them find them a home, pay for their veterinary care and more. In fact, many believe that actually the best thing to do to help stray cats anywhere in the world is to sterilize them, and thats the first expense that should be accounted for, perhaps even before feeding them. He didn't beg at all, just sat and timidly observed his surroundings. Turkish people are very fond of cats, and even if they can't adopt them, they make sure to take care of them by putting out food and water on the streets, usually in front of their homes. On a hot summer day, walking the steep stone-paved street from the port of Karaky towards the main avenue on the European side of Istanbul is not an easy task, even for the most fit. - WorldAtlas Why are There So Many Cats in Istanbul? Istanbul is a predominantly Muslim city, and there are several stories about the Prophet Muhammad and cats that speak to their sacredness. There even are cats in museums, such as the archeology museum of Antalya. The one I never tire of is that of the cat at an Istanbul fashion show a few years ago. If you really walk through Istanbul or any other Turkish city, you will see multiple cats sitting on every dumpster. Our mission at Pet Keen is to make the life of you and your pets easier and even more enjoyable. A stray cat in the U.S. is one that doesn't have a home. The following photo essay are shots of the friendly creatures, taken around the city. The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". I saw the video and I was really affected, because I love animals and I couldnt believe that somebody could do something like that, elebi said. Cats in Turkey. Gli lived in Hagia Sophia and became so well-known that she has her own Wikipedia page and was petted by the then US President Barack Obama on a visit to Turkey in 2009. Pregnant animals and puppies or kittens under 10 weeks old are not permitted on Turkish Airlines flights. Shes currently planning to launch a crowdfunding campaign in order to pay for the cats needs. Since the days of wooden houses and rodent catching, Istanbul cats have maintained a high prominence in local society. Related:This Offshore Destination Is Only A Ferry Ride From The Mainland Of Istanbul And Is Just As Scenic. They could be about a million, said Rana Baba elebi, the founder of the Cats of Istanbul, one out of a handful groups created to help the citys stray animals. We did a guided tour in Istanbul and our guide carried dry food with her to feed the cats she met along the way. I can't even count how many cat photos I took during my time there. That cat-loving monarch had endowed a cats garden where the cats of Cairo would find everything they needed and liked. With so many pests running around, cats became a welcome sight as they helped to keep the population of these vermin under control. Directed by Ceyda Torun, it tells the story of seven different cats throughout the city and the people who care for them. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". He was told that in this way, the qadi (judge) fulfilled obligations dating back to the 13th-century rule of the Mamluk sultan al-Zahir Baybars. I feed the cats in my neighborhood 15kg every two weeks of dry food. Last year, director Ceyda Torun took on Istanbuls street cats in her documentary Kedi, which sparked worldwide interest in this peculiar feline phenomenon. Brooke Billingsley spent nine years as a veterinary assistant before becoming a human nurse in 2013. Cats have been part of life in Turkey for a long time but many believe it was during the Ottoman Empire that they got their special status in society. In early 2023, the city of Diyarbakr built 200 wooden houses and placed them at buildings, workplaces, gardens, and parks to provide shelter and better living conditions for stray animals during the cold weather season. But in Istanbul at that time, people gladly kept the newly arrived cats because the citys wooden houses attracted a lot of rats, elebi explained. One particularly popular cat in Turkey that has made it big on the internet is Gli. But after a few days exploring the citys labyrinth of cobblestone streets, I found myself enamored by an altogether different subject: Istanbuls stray cats. If you travel to Istanbul, it's hard to ignore how many cats there are in the that city. Its possible cats were brought to Turkey through trade in the region. But this doesn't hold true for Istanbul. Unlike elsewhere in my travels, no one glared at me if I tried to feed then. In response, Muhammad blessed the cat and gave cats the ability to always land on their feet. Below is a breakdown of my expenses (remember I sent two cats) : Transport from Istanbul to Ireland: 1000. The new law means that anybody who has been cruel to cats can now face a jail sentence of between six months to four years. Whether you subscribe to the practical reasons for there being so many cats in Istanbul or the religious reasons, just make sure that you pet some of the cats when you go visit! In 2019, The New York Times estimated that in Istanbul alone, a megacity of 15 million people, there are thought to be 130,000 dogs and 125,000 cats roaming free. People feed the cats outside, and some even take in the cats when they need to be medically tended to, help them heal, then return them to their outdoor lives. My eyes wandered beyond the immediate commotion to a cat sitting in the middle of the road. 2023 Legal Nomads. They are considered one of the clean animals with their habits of always cleaning themselves. Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. Street vendors and shop owners leave out food and drink for the cats, collective tip jars are used to pay for needed veterinary services for cats. Today, hundreds of photos are posted every day under this and other similar hashtags on social media. says: Maria. There are potentially hundreds of thousands of cats living in Istanbul, and most of them are well cared for and provided with everything they need to live happy, healthy lives. And asthis article about dogs in Istanbul notes, canines are treated with much less affection and care, although that is starting to change. With their hunting skills, felines were seen as protectors from diseases that may come from rats and from mice that can destroy libraries for centuries in Islamic countries. In those days most of Istanbul's houses were made of wood and they were perfect for the proliferation of large mouse and rat populations. [2] We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. The estimated population of Istanbul cats is of about 125,000. Why are there so many cats in Istanbul? Published Dec 23, 2021 We're answering the age-old question of why Istanbul is so full of cats - and why it's a haven for cat lovers! My Patreon provides me with support, and a space to share resources that help people better understand chronic pain. At this particular eatery, I spotted this little guy hiding under an empty table. Check your email for magic link to sign-in. According to the article, things changed because the killings of dogs finally provoked demonstrations and public pressure, assisted by the rise of access to the internet, in the late 1990s and early 2000s. In fact, its not uncommon to walk around Istanbul and other cities in Turkey and spot people distributing dry food to the cats. Not only that but as a major trading port, masses of grains and wheat passed through Istanbul and with them a number of rats and mice. Why so many cats? Learn how your comment data is processed. While cats were associated with witches and the devil in Europe, in Ottoman-era Istanbul the pious would care for felines, often through local charitable foundations. There are also a number of charities that go out into the outskirts of Istanbul and other cities and feed the stray dogs that live in the countryside and continue efforts to sterilize the strays in order to control their numbers. Everything You Need To Know Before Visiting Turkey. Why are there so many cats in Istanbul? Turkey In my last photoessay on Turkey's biggest city, I wistfully recalled my many hours of wandering the cobblestone streets of Istanbul, my camera and imagination in tow. The cat was very confused at the two humans laughing so hard they had tears pouring down their faces. In Islam, cats are viewed with respect and are considered to be clean animals due to their tendency to routinely groom themselves and help eliminate pest species. Searching the hashtag #istanbulcats or #catsofistanbul on Instagram, Twitter or TikTok brings up streams of cute cats posing for photos in the sunny streets of Turkey. Some of my colleagues do not hesitate to tell such city legends or stories about cats-in this case- which helps this misconception to grow further. There are strict rules in the city about the care and management of stray cats, and as a whole, the city has a no-kill policy when it comes to cats. Lounging regally on Turkish towels in the Grand Bazaar and perched on marble stoops at the Hagia Sophia, the furry felines, whose population is estimated to exceed one million, can be found. The dogs will often be seen sleeping by someone's shop front. October 28 . has become a hobby of Brookes and she is continually learning how to give her aquarium pets the best life possible. Welcome back! But a community has formed around them. A 2017 documentary about cats in Istanbul, Kedi, also helped showcase a day in the life of a cat in the city and raise awareness for the street animals in town. When Sable first came in Istanbul, she was living near Galata. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. Why are there so many stray cats in Istanbul. There are many examples of Prophet Mohammads actions that show a fondness for the cats. Sadly, she passed away due to old age after living in Hagia Sophia safely and soundly for 16 years. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. Stray cats thrive in Istanbul because of the willingness of the citizens of the city to step up and provide for the cats. Locals leave out food and water for stray cats to keep well-fed. Please note that our posts may contain affiliate links. Cihangir Cool for Cats photo Didn't find what you need? That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Book our small-group adventures here and explore the world, while being good to it. As a Booking.com Associate, I earn when you book through certain links. One of the most exciting parts of my job as a professional photographer is discovering new places through my lens. How do these birds manage to survive with so many street cats in Istambul? Please do not forget that Istanbul has the most religious population only for the last 30-40 years. If you travel to Istanbul, there are many wonderful architectural features to attract your eye, however what might capture your heart is the cats. Resources for Expat Pet Owners in Istanbul & Turkey Street Cats and Dogs. Meditation for Beginners With a rich history, beautiful architecture and excellent food, this Turkish city has captured the imaginations of travelers for centuries. This means that for any purchase you make through one of my links, I receive a small percentage which however does not affect the final price for the customer. Not all of them are eating lamb. They roamed the streets, killing rats and mice and keeping bugs out of wooden homes. 2:01. Feeding Istanbul cats has become such a part of life that in recent years the local government has introduced vending machines to provide food for the stray cats (and more recently dogs too). As I walked around the bustling Kadky-Moda neighborhood, I almost walked right past these two cats cuddling outside a convenience store. An October 2019 article from the New York Times quotes an Istanbul dentist who notes that municipalities around Turkey poisoned dogs in the late 90s and early 2000s. Istanbul was once a trading hub, a central location, for much of the world. The sheer number of cats in Istanbul has led to the prevalence of disease. There's about 30 cats that come into my yard every day, and that number is increasing the longer I stay here. More ways to shop: Find a Store or other retailer near you. You might wonder what the deal is with them. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". I couldn't resist stopping to photograph the heartwarming scene. this article about dogs in Istanbul notes, both about the film and our love of animals. Istanbul is probably the most cat-loving city in. There are endless youtube videos of Istanbul cats being complete pests. reached even higher levels. Pets are still a thing there, but Istanbul's stray population is the best cared-for in the world. Cats are held in high esteem in Islam thanks to their cleanliness. Those who have lived there for a while think it is likely to be on the higher end of the estimate. Some studies suggest that the feeding attracts groups of cats which leads to diseases spreading easily. In Ottoman Empire, cats were well-loved and looked after as well. During these times, European people did not look cats as fondly. HOW HAS THE COVID -19 PANDEMIC AFFECTED OUR LIVES? This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Discover the Perfect Balance: Family and Pets Guides. Subscribe to our newsletter and do not miss any developments about Turkey. In Turkey, her food sharing qualities were encouraged by the restaurant owners and the owners even take it up a notch, giving the cats full meals after seeing what she is doing. Even with the peoples help, Istanbul is a tough place to live on the streets for a small animal. Travel + Leisure is published by Meredith Corporation under license from Travel + Leisure Co. One will see that these dogs are normally groomed and tagged in the city - even if they have no house to call home. That said, my cat-magnetism (catnetism?) We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. Some estimates approximate that there are 100,000 to 150,000 stray cats in Istanbul. Success! Since the city is so welcoming to cats, stray cats aren't viewed in the same way that they often are in places like the US, where they are sometimes viewed as dirty and dangerous. Youve successfully signed in. Youll often see people lugging big bags of cat food, feeding the strays in parks or certain corners of neighborhoods, while municipalities have helped build little houses for felines to take shelter in during the colder months. Whenever I have to go up this road, I usually take a small rest at one of the cafes under the Galata Tower to catch my breath and drink a glass or two of orange-flavored ay (Turkish tea). So naturally, the cat population thrived under the community care of entire cities like Istanbul; they are fed by everyone but belong to no one, maintaining their freedom. In Turkey and especially in ancient Istanbul, the most populous city in Europe cats are fed, welcomed into homes and shops, and taken care of by the entire community. Turks are famous for their love of animals that extends to a vibrant love of their street pets too. Charities called vakf were taking care of the strays in Istanbul. Are There Laws That Protect Cats In Turkey? Another school of thought is that cats are viewed as clean animals in Islam and are well received in much of the Islamic world. Resources for Digital Nomads Theres a story that Muhammed cut off the sleeve of his robe, to avoid disturbing a cat who had curled up on it to nap. With the number of rats rising, cats were brought in to catch the rodents and stop the spread of diseases. While shopping on stiklal Caddesithe main boulevard of the hip Karaky neighborhoodI happened upon a group of shouting protestors guarded by swarms of police. The answer for their behavior lies within the people. The same law that protects cats also covers the protection of dogs which means that anybody that has been accused of abusing or mistreating dogs can also face jail time of up to 4 years. A sultan ordered their protection, and many say that today, people are still just following his directive. But what to do with the meat-soaked bread? elebi also claims responsibility for popularizing the #catsofistanbul Instagram tag when she was living in Sisli, a neighborhood known for its cats. She stays active with yoga and obtained her 200-hour yoga teacher certification in 2020. Regardless of the veracity of these stories, cats are viewed as sacred within the Muslim world. love of cats is seen as a sign of faith in Islam, A Useful Guide To Visiting Anne Frank House, Amsterdam, A Safari from Cape Town: The Best Game Reserves to Explore, 28 Best Cities To Visit In Italy That Will Take Your Breath Away. As I personally lived in Italy for a considerable time, I may say that all the missing cats in centro would meet you as you go to suburbs and small villages. But the "strays" are all well-fed and healthy. This made cats' presence a necessity in the city. His staff put out food at hundreds of locations around the city, carry out spay-neuter operations, and perform surgeries on injured dogs and cats. The argument is that healthy cats share water and food bowls with infected cats and then get sick themselves. Per a 2017 article in The Economist: Turkey is not unique among predominantly Muslim countries for honouring its cats, which are considered ritually clean animals in Islam. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together. Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. Its not just Istanbul. Seeing my furtiveness, the owner walked over and, a smile on his face, dropped the cat below a full drumstick to enjoy. The homeless animal situation is completely out of control." Stay cats take shelter in the many little cat houses around Istanbul.
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