{"id":23165,"date":"2026-04-27T10:38:54","date_gmt":"2026-04-27T07:38:54","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog.turkishairlines.com\/kediler-sehri-istanbul\/"},"modified":"2026-04-27T11:41:47","modified_gmt":"2026-04-27T08:41:47","slug":"city-of-cats-istanbul","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blog.turkishairlines.com\/en\/city-of-cats-istanbul\/","title":{"rendered":"\u0130stanbul, city of cats: #Catstanbul"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\n\n\n\n

Fluffy and furry, adorable boopable noses, and a full menu of meows \u2026There is a place in \u0130stanbul for every member of the cat population. These soft bundles of joy occupy a huge place in the hearts of \u0130stanbulites and share their lives across the city. On almost every street in \u0130stanbul, there are food and water bowls for the cats, along with kitty \u2018houses\u2019. Residents of each district care for the street cats and municipalities provide free health services to strays. The cats of \u0130stanbul seem to have their own domains and, to be honest, sometimes they look as if they\u2019re ready to take over yours, too. But you are unlikely to see such fat, healthy and happy cats anywhere else in the world, and those in \u0130stanbul emanate the confidence of creatures who know they are cherished. It would not be wrong to call the city Catstanbul!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why do the people of \u0130stanbul love cats so much? This is not a difficult question to answer: sincerity and honesty come first here, where you can always find someone who will listen to you and help you. We can illustrate \u0130stanbul\u2019s love for cats with a quote from Ernest Hemingway.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cA cat has absolute emotional honesty: human beings, for one reason or another, may hide their feelings, but a cat does not.\u201d<\/em><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ernest Hemingway<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n

\u0130stanbul’s feline history: Where did they come from?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Those curious about the history of cats in \u0130stanbul must delve deep into the past. While the history of domesticated cats is not quite as long as that of dogs, \u0130stanbul\u2019s relationship with cats begins with the Anatolian and Ancient Egyptian civilizations. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"A
A cat standing next to books on the counter of the sahaf<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

We know that, in Ancient Egypt, cats were considered quite important and were even sometimes buried with pharaohs. Since the pharaohs were believed to be \u201cgod-kings\u201d in ancient Egyptian culture, we could say that cats were also considered sacred beings; in fact, Bastet, the Egyptian goddess who was believed to provide protection, pleasure, good health, had the head of a cat. In later times, Bastet was the guardian of women, children and domestic cats. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In Mesopotamia, among the areas where agriculture was first developed, cats kept the rodent population in balance, preventing these creatures from eating grain and spreading disease. This was the first step of a sincere friendship forged between feline and human in Anatolia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Miniature:
Miniature: a lion brought from Baghdad licks the boots of Osman Ghazi<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Scientific studies show that all cats are of Anatolian and Egyptian origin. In a jo<\/a>i<\/a>nt study by Sapienza University of Rome and the Royal Belgian Institute of Natural Sciences, <\/a>scientists Claudio Ottoni, Wim Van Neer, Bea de Cupere and Julien Daligault examined the DNA of more than 200 cat remains to reach this conclusion. Cats fed as hunters in Anatolia adapted to city life in Ottoman times, and the cat population in \u0130stanbul increased every century. Thus, cat culture in \u0130stanbul has unfolded\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n

Furry friends of the Sultans: Cats in the Ottoman Empire<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The Ottomans played a major role in integrating cats into the fabric of \u0130stanbul. In the capital and in other cities of the enormous empire, foundations were established for street animals. People called \u201cmancac\u0131\u201d worked on behalf of these foundations and one of their responsibilities was to feed stray animals. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The foundations were concerned with all animals, not just cats. For example, during very cold winters, meat and offal were regularly distributed in certain areas, to prevent wild animals from coming into the towns. The Ottomans also instituted animal welfare regulations; 16th-century records show that aging animals (especially horses) were prohibited from heavy work.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"A\u011fa
A\u011fa Efendi, Sultan Abd\u00fclhamid’s cat<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Like most people of the Ottoman Empire, the sultans were very fond of cats. Sultan Abdulhamid II particularly loved cats, as frequently mentioned in the biography written by his daughter, Ay\u015fe Osmano\u011flu. The Sultan\u2019s relationship with his cat, called A\u011fa Efendi, was such that the cat would break up the domino stones while the Sultan and his daughter played, and then recline in the middle of the game.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In the Ottoman Empire, people also left bequests for stray animals. The monies \u2013 left by proxy to bakers, butchers, servants, and mancac\u0131s \u2013 were spent on feeding street animals. In one example, Koca Mustafa Pasha stated in his will that two poles (a kind of long stick on which the meat is wrapped) of liver a day should be given to the Sheikh Evhad\u00fcddin Tekke in \u0130stanbul for the cats.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n

Cat parks of \u0130stanbul: A meeting point for nature and cat lovers<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Let us leave history and return to the present, to a peaceful visit in the parks of the mega-metropolis \u0130stanbul. Fenerbah\u00e7e Park, on the Asian side, and Ma\u00e7ka Park, on the European side, are renowned for their cat habitats. You can observe cats of all colors, sizes and ages in these parks. You might even be able to pet their highnesses, if they\u2019re in the right mood.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

As they say, a human doesn’t own a cat, a cat owns a human. Some cats are affectionate with humans, while others stay away. Be considerate. Bring your hand slowly to the cat\u2019s nose; if it responds in a positive manner, perhaps you can give it a pat or many. Beware though: some cats may respond with lightning-quick claws!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Don’t be surprised if a cat that is avoiding you, approaches someone else with affection. Cats have a strong sense of smell and each has its own preferences with regard to the scent of a particular human.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n

Famous cats of Istanbul: Tombili and Gli<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Tombili,
Tombili, one of \u0130stanbul’s most famous cats, and a statue of her, erected in the same place.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Some of \u0130stanbul\u2019s cats have become quite well known. Tombili<\/a> was a plump white and tabby cat who became famous for \u201ccaps\u201d (meme). Her most circulated photo features her reclining \u2013 in a casual, almost human pose \u2013 in front of a Kebap\u00e7\u0131 sign. While Tombili is, sadly, no longer among us, thanks to a life-size sculpture in her memory, she has attained immortality on the streets of Ziverbey.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"The
The famous cat Gli, the symbol of Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque in Istanbul<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Istanbul\u2019s most famous cat was, without a doubt, Gli<\/a>. A green-eyed tabby, Gli served as the de facto guardian of the Hagia Sophia Mosque from 2004. She passed away in 2020 \u2013 amid great mourning from cat fanciers throughout the world. Gli had her own Instagram page, with 100,000 followers, and was featured in thousands of other photos from the Hagia Sophia, including one with former US President Barack Obama. Gli is now a part of Hagia Sophia lore and is probably one of the most famous cats in the world.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n

Cat culture in present-day Istanbul<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"A
A yellow-and-white street cat stretched out on a wooden bench, enjoying the sun with a view of the Bosphorus in Istanbul<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The Ottoman-era stray animal feeders (mancac\u0131lar) may be gone, but the tradition continues, now on a neighborhood scale. In Istanbul, people still leave food out in the mornings, build cat shelters in winter, and cover veterinary expenses out of pocket. Municipalities also provide free healthcare for street cats.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In recent years, cat caf\u00e9 culture has firmly taken root in the city. From around the Grand Bazaar to Kad\u0131k\u00f6y, there are many places where you can sit and have tea alongside cats. But to be honest, the best cat experience is still out on the streets.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The 2016 documentary \u201cKedi,\u201d by Ceyda Torun, introduced Istanbul\u2019s street cats and the people who care for them to the world. Told through the eyes of several cats, the film drew significant attention at international festivals. It is a must-watch before you come to Istanbul. For those who want to explore the city\u2019s cat culture more closely, the Cat Museum in Be\u015fikta\u015f is also a lovely stop. Located in the Be\u015fikta\u015f Municipality \u00c7\u0131ra\u011fan Service Building, the museum brings together cats from fairy tales, as well as characters from toys, games, and comics, under one roof. Moreover, the museum, which can be visited free of charge, offers a chance to experience Istanbul\u2019s unique bond with cats from a new perspective. If you are curious about how the love for animals in Istanbul is reflected not only on the streets but also carved into stone and wood, you can read our article, Animal Love Carved into Stone: Istanbul\u2019s Bird Houses and Cat Doors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n

Where to photograph and film cats in Istanbul? 10 cat spots in Istanbul<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

We conclude this cat love-filled article with eight recommendations for the best places to see (and photograph) cats in \u0130stanbul:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n
  • Ma\u00e7ka Park<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Fenerbah\u00e7e Park<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Moda coast<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Cihangir<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Balat<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Sultanahmet<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • G\u00fclhane Park<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Y\u0131ld\u0131z Park<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Bebek Park<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Do\u011fatepe Park<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
    \n\n\n\n

    Diary of an \u0130stanbul cat<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
    \"\"
    \u0130stanbullu bir kedinin bir g\u00fcn\u00fcn\u00fc anlatan fotoroman.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

    Fluffy and furry, adorable boopable noses, and a full menu of meows \u2026There is a place in \u0130stanbul for every member of the cat population. These soft bundles of joy occupy a huge place in the hearts of \u0130stanbulites and share their lives across the city. On almost every street in \u0130stanbul, there are food […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":53,"featured_media":18037,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[145,243,147,239],"tags":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-23165","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-destinations","8":"category-istanbul-travel-guide","9":"category-trip-ideas","10":"category-city-vacation"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.turkishairlines.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/23165","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.turkishairlines.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.turkishairlines.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.turkishairlines.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/53"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.turkishairlines.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=23165"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/blog.turkishairlines.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/23165\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":62205,"href":"https:\/\/blog.turkishairlines.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/23165\/revisions\/62205"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.turkishairlines.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/18037"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.turkishairlines.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=23165"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.turkishairlines.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=23165"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.turkishairlines.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=23165"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}