As a historian and licensed tour guide born and raised in Istanbul, I have long wanted to write a truly informative piece about the cats of this city. Catpedia is the result. In this guide, I explore everything from the history of cats in Istanbul to the reasons behind their remarkable population, including the biographies of the two most famous cats of the city—right down to the most frequently asked questions about cats in Istanbul.
Historians write about empires. I wrote about the real dynasty.
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History of Cats in Istanbul
From Nova Roma to Constantinople
As far as I could trace, the history of cats in Istanbul goes much deeper than most people expect.
During the Roman period, when people called the city Nova Roma (New Rome), later known as Constantinople, cats already formed part of daily life.
They were not outsiders. They were companions.
The people of Constantinople lived alongside these felines. The sources that reached us today prove this clearly. Many historical sources mention cats throughout different periods of the city’s history. Their presence continues all the way into the 15th century, into the Ottoman era.
They were visible, noticed, and remembered.
The most detailed historical records begin to appear in the 16th century. By then, the city was the capital of the Ottoman Empire. People called it Konstantiniyye, referring to Constantinople, meaning “the city of Constantine.”
This is when the documentation becomes clearer.
Cats of Istanbul During the Ottoman Empire
From the reign of Suleiman the Magnificent, Europeans began to take serious interest in Ottoman lands.
Governments sent delegations to Istanbul for diplomatic purposes. But curiosity went beyond politics. Many travelers wanted to see the Turks with their own eyes.
They undertook long and difficult journeys.
In the 16th century, Istanbul once again shone at the crossroads of Asia and Europe.
Most European visitors focused on the sultan, the palace, ceremonies, and the army. Yet in their travelogues, we still find observations about streets, daily life, and the people. And within those pages, we find cats.
Ogier Ghislain de Busbecq (1554)
The first notable record belongs to Ogier Ghislain de Busbecq.
He arrived in Istanbul in 1554 as the envoy of German Emperor Ferdinand I.
In letters written to his close friend Nicholas Michault, Busbecq frequently mentioned the Turks’ compassion for animals.
He observed that Turks treated all animals, especially birds, with great care.
He wrote that young birds contributed to the cleanliness of the city, and also stated that Turks paid money to release caged birds and felt deep pleasure in doing so.
According to him, one thing that angered Turks greatly was cruelty to animals.
He described the difference between cats and dogs clearly.
Turks did not allow dogs into their homes because they considered them unclean. Cats took their place.
They believed that cats naturally behaved better.
They cited the Prophet Muhammad as an example. He was very fond of his cat. When his cat slept on his clothes, he would cut the fabric rather than disturb it for prayer.
Dogs, on the other hand, belonged to the streets. They had no owners, and they guarded neighborhoods, not houses. They fed on garbage.
Yet even then, compassion remained.
If a dog had given birth nearby, people brought food scraps, bones, and bread. They considered this a good deed.
Busbecq’s writings recorded something important. The Turks, whom Europeans often feared, appeared warm-hearted and compassionate toward animals.
Salomon Schweigger (1578–1581)
Another visitor was Salomon Schweigger, a Protestant preacher who came with the envoy of Holy Roman Emperor Rudolf II.
He stayed between 1578 and 1581.
Schweigger described the same compassion Busbecq had observed.
He mentioned roasted meat and liver distributed as alms to cats and dogs. He also wrote about Muslims freeing caged birds to earn merit.
The pattern was clear.
Animals were not ignored. They were part of moral life.
Hans Jacob Breüning
During the same period, Hans Jacob Breüning came to Istanbul out of personal curiosity.
He wrote that people gave stale meat and bread from soup kitchens to stray dogs for the sake of Allah.
He emphasized that mercy in the Muslim faith applied not only to humans, but also to animals.
Breüning described people feeding cats by throwing meat onto the roofs of low buildings near the Fatih Mosque.
He also repeated that Turks threw bread into the sea to feed fish and bought caged birds in order to release them.
These acts were not rare. They were visible enough to be recorded.
Reinhold Lubenau (1587–1589)
Reinhold Lubenau, an apothecary serving in the retinue of Ambassador Bartholomeus Petz, stayed in Istanbul between 1587 and 1589.
He observed street vendors frying low-quality meat, liver, and internal organs. They placed them on skewers and walked through the streets.
People, especially those wishing to earn merit near mosques, bought these and fed them to cats and dogs.
Lubenau compared this to his own behavior.
He wrote that he and his companions sometimes bought the meat and threw it to dogs in secluded places. They enjoyed watching the dogs fight.
When Turks saw this, they tried to beat them.
Lubenau warned that one must be careful. Turks did not beat dogs. They did not push them. They avoided disturbing them.
He repeated the story of the Prophet’s love for cats. But he also described compassion toward dogs.
One day, he saw a pregnant dog lying down. A man on horseback dismounted, gathered dry grass, and spread it under the dog.
Lubenau recorded the reasoning behind such acts.
Turks believed humans could express their needs by speaking. Animals could not. Therefore, animals were helpless.
Even today, this idea survives in a common expression:
“They can’t speak, but they tell everything with their eyes.”
Baron W. Wratislav (1591)
In 1591, Baron W. Wratislav, part of an embassy sent by Emperor Rudolf II, also wrote about animals in Istanbul.
He mentioned vendors selling skewered meat pieces for feeding animals.
He described dozens of dogs following these vendors through the streets.
Cats waited on walls. They observed. They waited for their share.
Again, the scene was public. It was ordinary.
The French Astonishment (1639)
In 1639, France appointed Jean de la Haye as its ambassador to Istanbul.
Among those who accompanied him was Clauser du Loir. His exact role is unclear.
Du Loir wrote something striking.
Jean de la Haye mentioned that people built special houses for cats.
He also stated that there were salaried officials responsible for feeding and caring for them, and expressed his astonishment.
He even found it ridiculous that wealthy individuals bought liver and meat from butchers at noon just to give it to cats.
Yet what appeared excessive to him reflected something deeper in the city’s culture.
Cats were not incidental.
They were woven into urban life.
A Continuity That Reaches Today
From Nova Roma to Konstantiniyye, from Roman times to the Ottoman centuries, one pattern repeats.
Cats were present.
They were protected.
They were fed.
Foreign observers noticed it. They recorded it. Sometimes with admiration. Sometimes with disbelief.
But they all agreed on one thing.
In Istanbul, animals — especially cats — were never invisible.
Why Are There So Many Cats in Istanbul?
This part of my article is one of the most important sections because there are so many blog posts written online that fail to deliver the reality. Unfortunately, almost everyone, without exception, has clearly not conducted proper research on this matter and, simply to generate traffic for their sites, has added countless implausible explanations.
Therefore, this section not only investigates the real reasons why there are so many cats in Istanbul, but also aims to correct what has been falsely written out there.
The Myth That Links the Presence of Cats in Istanbul to Islam
All blog content has one thing in common: it explains the reason why there are so many cats in Istanbul through the religion of Islam. Let’s examine this together.
There is no verse in the Quran that directly mentions cats. It is incorrect to associate cats with the Islamic religion as written and drawn on the internet. Islam, as written in the Quran, encourages people to behave well and beautifully. Likewise, as stated in Surah Nahl (16) Verse 9;
وَعَلَى اللّٰهِ قَصْدُ السَّب۪يلِ وَمِنْهَا جَٓائِرٌۜ
وَلَوْ شَٓاءَ لَهَدٰيكُمْ اَجْمَع۪ينَ۟
The meaning is as follows: “Guiding to the right path is Allah’s prerogative. There are also crooked paths. If Allah had willed, He would have guided you all to the right path.”
People Relating Hadiths as the Religion of Islam Determines Cats as Religious
I think it is clear that this issue, which is not mentioned in the Quran, is already closed to debate. It is also necessary to mention certain events that occurred and the information attributed to the Prophet Muhammad, known as ‘Hadith’, which includes his words, actions, approvals, and attributes.
During the Battle of Uhud, the Prophet (peace be upon him) saw a cat feeding her kittens and changed the army’s route during the battle so as not to disturb them. After the battle ended, it is known that the Prophet (peace be upon him) took ownership of the cat.
Another hadith is narrated as follows: “If you kill a cat, you must build seven mosques.”
It is also reported that when the Prophet Muhammad performed ablution from a bowl from which a cat had drunk water, and a companion warned him, he said, “Cats have clean mouths.”
Another Hadith, the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “The cat is not impure. For it is one of the animals that always roam among you.” (Abu Dawud, Taharat, 38/75; Tirmidhi, Kitab’ut-Taharat, b. 69, n. 92, c. 1, p. 153; Neseci, Kitab’ut-Taharat, b. 14, n. 68-241, c. 1; Ibn Majah, Kitab al-Tahara, b. 32, n. 36, c. 1, p. 131)
Consequently, it is absolutely incorrect to explain the existence of cats in Istanbul based solely on good behavior and matters mentioned in the Hadiths in relation to Islam. Now that we have concluded this topic, since we have mentioned Islam, let’s see if it is possible to reconcile the cats with Christianity.
Is There a Christian Reason to Feel Sympathy for Cats?
When we look at Christianity and the Bible, the first question is simple:
Are cats mentioned at all?
The word “cat” does not appear directly or clearly in the Bible. Domestic cats are not mentioned in its canonical books.
There is, however, one explicit reference in the Deuterocanonical texts.
In The Letter of Jeremiah — often numbered as Baruch 6:21 (or 1:21 in some editions) — cats are mentioned alongside bats and swallows. The verse describes these animals landing on the heads and bodies of Babylonian idols.
The purpose of this imagery is clear. It is a satirical argument against idolatry. The idols are lifeless statues. They cannot move. They cannot defend themselves. Animals treat them like ordinary objects and rest upon them.
The verse explains that the idols are covered in grime. Because they are not real gods, animals freely climb on them.
The Greek word used is ailouroi. In the Latin Vulgate, it appears as cattae. This passage is found in The Letter of Jeremiah 1:21 in the King James Bible and in Catholic/Deuterocanonical editions.
What makes this notable is not only the mention, but the overall absence.
Relating Cats as Religious in Belief Systems
Cats were very familiar animals in the ancient world. They were known in Ancient Egypt, Assyria, Babylonia, and among the Greeks and Romans. It is therefore likely that Ancient Hebrews also knew them. Yet they are almost entirely absent from the Protestant Bible.
Other members of the cat family do appear. Lions and leopards are clearly mentioned. In Isaiah 34:14, the Hebrew word צִיִּים (ṣiyyîm) is translated in some modern versions, such as CEV and NRSV, as “wildcats.” If accepted, this may be the only possible reference to smaller wild cats in the Protestant Bible.
From a strictly textual perspective, the Bible does not build a theological framework around cats. There is no direct doctrinal emphasis. There is no specific symbolic role assigned to them.
Therefore, if one asks whether Christianity provides a direct religious reason for sympathy toward cats based purely on explicit biblical references, the textual evidence is minimal. Therefore, we cannot find any connection between Christianity and our sympathy for cats in Istanbul, nor can we find any reason for their large numbers.
Why There Are So Many Cats in Istanbul: My Comment
Religions encourage good behavior, and based on this, we cannot explain why there are so many cats in Istanbul. Therefore, what we need to do is analyze scientific facts correctly using disciplines such as history, zoology, geography, and psychology to reach a conclusion. This will guide us toward the healthiest and most accurate option.
Let’s look at the cats themselves to find the reasons why there are so many cats in Istanbul.
Cats generally prefer to live in warm, elevated, and safe geographical areas such as wooded areas, thickets, rocky terrain, and caves, which offer opportunities for hiding and hunting. Although they can adapt to environments ranging from savannas to swamps in their natural habitat, their origins lie in temperate regions such as Anatolia, and they prefer warm environments (28-37°C).
They prefer to stay in sunny, warm places to maintain their body temperature. Wooded and rocky areas in their natural habitats meet both their hunting and climbing needs for protection. Considering all of this, Istanbul is perfectly suited to the things cats love. When we combine all of this with the compassion and love for animals of the Turkish people, as I explained earlier in the History of Cats section, we actually solve this puzzle.
What is the real reason there are so many cats in Istanbul?
The real reason there are so many cats in Istanbul is that cats’ preferred habitats are well-suited to Istanbul’s geography and physical characteristics, combined with the Turkish people’s interest in and affection for animals.
If you like, I can reinforce my thesis with two more cities: 1- Alexandria, 2- Lisbon.
Moreover, another feature that these cities share with Istanbul, as much as cats do, is that they are port cities. Cats have been cherished companions for centuries, guarding supplies by catching mice on ships and adapting well to life at sea. Considered lucky by sailors, they were thought to sense approaching storms and even carried their own passports up until the 20th century.
Alexandria, Egypt, hosts a significant population of street cats, especially along the coast where they depend on fishing, but they face challenges from overcrowding and limited rescue resources.
Lisbon is home to a large population of stray and community cats, with more than 1,700 colonies cared for by volunteers who supply food, water, and veterinary attention.
Having concluded this topic, I invite you to get to know Istanbul’s famous cats.
Famous Istanbul Cats
Okay, Istanbul may be a bit famous for its cats, but does the city have any truly famous ones? Let’s explore the lives of the city’s two most renowned cats.
The Famous Cat of Hagia Sophia: Gli
As every tour guide who constantly tours Hagia Sophia knows, I was also enchanted by the presence of Gli, a cat born and raised inside this historic building. Therefore, I want to start with a tribute to the beloved memory of our cat Gli.
Gli was a green-eyed cat, slightly cross-eyed, and just as adorable. It was as if a human personality had slipped inside her. I would see her on almost every walk, greet her, and share my troubles. Most of the time, the area was crowded, and tourists visiting the building showed great interest in her. I always thought she was slightly annoyed by all this attention.
Gli was a cat who always caught your eye at first glance with her sparkling eyes. She usually hung out in familiar spots inside Hagia Sophia, but every now and then, you would see her emerge from the most unexpected places in the building. Hagia Sophia is my office, but it was Gli’s home. She spent her 16 years there, and when she passed away on November 7, 2020, she became a symbol inseparable from Hagia Sophia.
After the Life of Gli
Imagine a cat that inspired admiration throughout her life, had her picture taken with former US President Barack Obama, and charmed world-famous visitors. Even after her death, the governor of Istanbul shared a post about Gli’s passing, and the whole world felt the pain of her loss. Gli was born in 2004 and left us in 2020, but her memory lives on.
I often feel as if she might jump out from a corner and appear before me at Hagia Sophia, where I frequently go on tours. Although her place can never be filled, the relatives and other cats she left behind still live at Hagia Sophia. Perhaps everyone goes to see Hagia Sophia’s magnificent mosaics, but I honor Gli’s memory by creating a mosaic using Google Gemini, commemorating her in a way that suits her.
The Famous Cat of Kadıköy: Tombili
Having been born and raised in the Kadıköy district of Istanbul, I have always admired the cats of the neighborhood. In this part of the city, cats move just as uniquely as the people do. Life here is as lively and action-packed as it is calm—just like the cats themselves. If you ever get the chance to visit Istanbul, you’ll notice this difference among the cats at first glance.
We can translate Tombili’s name as “chubby.”
Tombili was one of the greatest icons our neighborhood has ever had. Our paths crossed a few times. Even before gaining fame across the city and the world, Tombili was already beloved by the locals. He was always a cherished and sought-after presence in the neighborhood.
Tombili was not only warm-hearted but also highly social. His personality made him quickly popular among the residents. In every sense, Tombili was a local hero.
When Tombili Became Part of Our Lives
Everyone who passed by would ask about him, and people would wonder if he wasn’t around. One day, while lying on the sidewalk, he struck his famous pose and was captured on camera. It was as if all he needed in life was that one photograph. Almost immediately, the photo spread across social media and turned him into a symbol of the city. Perhaps it resonated so deeply because, like all the cats of Kadıköy, the photo perfectly reflected his spirit—and even matched ours.
Tombili had now become a true phenomenon. He appeared in national and international media and gained even more admirers. His photos were edited in playful ways, accompanied by witty captions. In 2016, he was diagnosed with kidney failure, and at the beginning of August, we lost Tombili.
Today, a statue stands in the very spot where he struck that legendary pose. We will always miss you, Tombili. We were truly lucky to have known you.
Cat Laws in Istanbul
One of the major mistakes made by those creating content on this topic online is regarding cat and animal rights in general.
I don’t want to dwell on this part too much, but there are points I want to mention that I have verified from official sources regarding animal protection laws.
What many visitors don’t realize is that this coexistence is not only cultural, but also legal. Under Law No. 5199 on the Protection of Animals, street cats are protected through a structured, nationwide system.
Protection Through “Collect–Treat–Release”
One of the most important principles of Law No. 5199 is that stray animals cannot simply be removed. Instead, municipalities must:
- Collect stray cats humanely
- Provide medical examination and treatment
- Vaccinate them
- Sterilize them
- Mark (identify) them
- Return them to the exact location where they were taken
This system ensures population control without displacement. The idea that a cat must be returned to its own neighborhood after sterilization is particularly striking — it legally recognizes that animals belong to their environment.
Vaccination, Disinfection & Quarantine
The law clearly defines medical responsibilities:
- Vaccination stimulates the immune system to produce antibodies, preventing disease.
- Disinfection eliminates harmful microorganisms through physical, chemical, or ultraviolet methods.
- Quarantine separates animals coming from areas with contagious diseases.
These are not optional practices — they are structured obligations overseen by provincial authorities and municipalities.
Temporary Animal Care Homes & Hospitals
Municipalities are required to establish temporary shelters and rehabilitation centers. These facilities must:
- Register every animal
- Provide treatment and sterilization
- Prevent commercial breeding
- Ensure safe waste disposal
- Promote adoption through official announcements
Animals can only be euthanized under strict veterinary decision, and only in cases of incurable disease or unavoidable public health threat — using the least painful medical methods under anesthesia. This medicalized, highly regulated approach is another remarkable aspect of the law.
The Provincial Animal Protection Board
Each province has an Animal Protection Board chaired by the governor. It includes:
- Metropolitan and district mayors
- Veterinary authorities
- Health and education directors
- Religious representatives
- Veterinary chamber representatives
- Selected animal welfare NGOs
This multi-layered structure shows that animal protection is treated as a coordinated public responsibility — not just a municipal side task.
What Is Most Striking?
What stands out most is this:
Istanbul’s street cats are not considered “ownerless problems” — they are legally protected urban residents.
The law formalizes cooperation between municipalities, volunteer caretakers, veterinarians, and civil society. Even food collection from restaurants for stray animals is organized through local coordination.
In short, the cats you see resting near mosques, sleeping on shop steps, or wandering through historic neighborhoods are protected not only by public affection — but by a legal framework that recognizes their right to exist within the city.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cats in Istanbul
What’s the deal with the cats in Istanbul?
Although most people believe the population of cats in Istanbul is related to religion, the real reason is that cats physiologically prefer to live in places like Istanbul. The city meets their needs both geologically and biologically. When this is combined with the Turkish affection for animals, it results in a generous number of cats around the city.
Why does Turkey treat cats so well?
Turkish people have deep affection for all kinds of animals—not only cats, but also dogs, birds, and animals in general. Turkish people cannot be separated from nature. Historically, certain animals such as wolves, eagles, and horses were emphasized in Turkish culture. Long story short, Turkish people treat cats well because it is part of who they are and their understanding of how animals balance life.
Are Istanbul cats safe to pet?
Most of them behave as if they are domesticated. Before interacting, it is recommended to observe them for a few minutes. If they feel comfortable, they will allow you to pet them. Many are very social and may approach you in parks or public spaces.
Does Turkey take care of stray cats?
There are state-supported organizations, municipalities, foundations, and animal rights advocates caring for stray animals. Injured animals are helped through emergency hotlines. There are shelters, health clinics, and daily food distribution units operating in Istanbul.
Why do cats in Istanbul have clipped ears?
Ear tags are attached by the municipality to identify animals that have been cared for and vaccinated. The colors of the tags have no particular meaning. This practice is seen more often in dogs due to the large cat population.
What should I do if I get scratched by a cat in Turkey?
The likelihood of contracting a disease is very low. Disinfect the scratch area and monitor for 24 hours. If symptoms such as fever, muscle spasms, stiffness, sweating, or rapid heartbeat occur, seek immediate medical attention. Emergency rooms in Turkey provide free first aid.
Is there a cat problem in Turkey?
Cats are not considered a problem in Türkiye or Istanbul. They are friendly citizens of the city, well treated and living their lives here. If referring to their numbers, that is another discussion.
Why are there so many homeless cats in Turkey?
Cats are not considered homeless. They live in cat houses built by municipalities and individuals. Locals often call them “Cat Palaces.” They receive regular care and food distribution.
How many cats are there in Istanbul?
The only official data published in 2018 stated there were 162,970 cats in Istanbul. No updated statistics have been shared since then, and it is believed their total number cannot be accurately determined.
Are cats in Istanbul vaccinated?
Yes. Municipalities are obligated to vaccinate stray animals free of charge, including rabies and general health vaccinations, as part of public health responsibility.
Can I take a stray cat home from Turkey?
According to the Regulation on the Identification and Registration of Cats, Dogs, and Ferrets, pets must be identified and have a pet passport. Animals younger than 2–3 months may travel abroad with their mothers.
What diseases do Istanbul cats carry?
According to studies, no disease affecting human health has been found in cats living in Istanbul. The only thing you might catch from them is their love.
How do people in Istanbul feel about cats?
Cats are part of everyday life. They lie on cars, greet residents at apartment entrances, stay on street corners, and even sit inside mosques. Locals are accustomed to their presence and see them as part of society.
Are stray cats in Istanbul friendly?
The majority are calm and lovable. Since they are treated well, they are generally friendly and social. Many approach people in parks or show curiosity during daily activities.
Do cats in Istanbul have fleas?
Fleas can be found, especially during summer months. It is not possible to generalize that all cats have fleas. Fleas are usually found on the belly, neck, and under the tail. If bitten, contact health units.
Why are cats allowed to roam in Istanbul?
Animal rights organizations protect their rights, and society believes cats have as much right to live in the city as humans. Therefore, they are not seen as stray animals but as part of society and are allowed to roam freely.
What does a Turkish cat eat?
Cats mostly eat dry food, but many are also accustomed to home-cooked meals provided by restaurants, homes, care facilities, and municipalities.
Which city in Turkey is known for cats?
The famous Van Cat from the city of Van is known for its white fur and one green and one blue eye. The Ankara (Angora) Cat is also highly respected and associated with the capital city.
How did Istanbul get so many cats?
Lack of control and general affection for cats contributed to population growth. Combined with strong societal sympathy and neighborhood care, the number of cats reached a level that cannot be estimated.
How do Istanbul cats survive winter?
Cats shelter in apartments, enclosed spaces, markets, restaurants, and mosques. Municipal shelters and cat houses built in neighborhoods help them survive the cold months.
Conclusion
The cats of Istanbul are one of the most intriguing and widely discussed subjects about the city. I took the time to investigate this topic carefully and present solid content supported by a proper and scientific approach. I believe this Catpedia fills an important gap among the many webpages written on the subject.
From here, I would like to thank the people of Istanbul who deeply care for these cats, our Municipality and local authorities, and especially Uğur Akbulut, author of “A Surprising Sight for Westerners in Istanbul: Animal-Loving Turks.”
Although I work professionally as a tour guide in Istanbul, approaching this topic as a historian made the process both educational and meaningful for me.
If you are looking for a professional tour guide, you can explore my services. You are also welcome to follow my blog and social platforms, where I share extensive content freely.
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