Istanbul has maintained a special bond with its cats throughout the centuries, from the Ottoman tradition of special cat keepers to the dominance of cats on the city’s modern streets.
Every day, the city maintains a delicate balance in its narrow streets, mosques, metro stations and cosy coffee shops.
The space of the metropolis, stretching on both sides of the Bosphorus, is shared by more than 15 million people, like a house cat sitting half on the sofa, half on the coffee table.
And the metaphor is apt: there are an estimated quarter of a million homeless cats living in the city.
Cats are so intertwined with Istanbul’s history and daily life that they have become an integral part of the city’s organics – as well as the carpets sold at every turn.
Not domestic or street-something services for street cats, and residents often help pay the vet bills.”
Photo by Marcel Heynen
Why Istanbul loves cats so much
This dedication has a long tradition.
“It goes back to the Ottoman period,” says Marcel Heynen. – Back then, local foundations made sure the animals were taken care of. Later, there was the profession of the mankaji -‘ cat lover’ – who fed the cats and residents could buy food from him or feed the animals themselves.”
Fatih Daghli adds that the love of cats has even deeper roots.
“Phoenician sailors also kept cats on ships to protect their supplies from rodents. When trade ships carrying silk and spices arrived in Istanbul during Roman and Ottoman times, cats came with them.”
Today, people are still willing to share accommodation with and fresh mackerel, the city is suddenly softer, cosier and a little more charming.
Photo by Jeff Bogle
Softness among stone and concrete
“Cities are rarely soft,” Heinen notes. – They are made for people: wide roads, buildings, bridges, concrete, brick, glass, steel. When another living creature finds its place among this harsh world, it’s already amazing in itself. And even more impressive is the fact that the locals care about their planetary neighbours.”
Unlike many cities around the world, where life on the streets is harsh for animals, Istanbul’s cats feel secure.
In the historic Fatih district, near the Blue Mosque and the Hagia Sophia Cathedral, it’s easy to spot Sulo, a grey and white fluffy, posing for tourists near a newsstand where he’s being fed.
Cats resting on the slopes along the Bosphorus 2:4)
Photo by Marcel Heynen
Many of Istanbul’s cats will appear under your feet and in photos, their muzzles, paws and purring will linger in your memory.
They show how you can peacefully share housing, food and life with others – at home and when travelling.