Did you know that Istanbul is home to over a million cats? It's hard to imagine, but these feline friends are everywhere, from the streets to social media. In fact, the "Cats of Istanbul" Instagram profile has over 17 thousand followers and continues to grow every day.
"Cats and Istanbul: Allies Forever"
Did you know that cats and people from Istanbul have been allies for many years? During the Ottoman architectural period, cats played a crucial role in preventing rats and other pests from infesting wooden houses. In return, people provided these feline protectors with shelter from harsh outside conditions.
It's amazing to think about the longstanding relationship between these two species in Istanbul, and how they've supported each other throughout history.
Why there are so many cats in Istanbul?
The relationship between cats and people in Istanbul goes beyond mutual help; it's also rooted in religion. In a society where Islam is predominant, cats are not just tolerated but respected.
According to a 2017 article in The Economist, cats are considered ritually clean animals in Islam, and there are numerous examples in the hadith (the collected sayings and actions of Muhammad) of the Prophet's fondness for cats. In one account, Muhammad cut off his sleeve when he had to rise for prayers so as not to disturb a feline that had curled up on his robe for a nap. In another tale, the pet cat of Abu Hurayrah (literally "father of the kitten") saved Muhammad from an attack by a deadly serpent. Muhammad purportedly blessed the cat in gratitude, giving cats the ability to always land on their feet. In addition to these stories, cats were considered guardians in the Islamic world and helped defend libraries from destruction by mice, as well as potentially protecting city populations from rat-borne plagues.
Historical books also mention the prophet's love for felines, and while the stories may vary, the affection for cats has remained constant.
It's fascinating to see how religion, history, and culture have all contributed to the abundance of cats in Istanbul today.
It's Not Just Istanbul: Turkey's Love for Cats
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| World Coins Photo |
It's not just Istanbul that has a special relationship with cats; Turkey as a whole is known for its love of feline friends. In fact, this love is so big that Turkey has even minted a cat coin to immortalize it.
The cat featured on the coin is the Turkish Angora, one of the oldest natural breeds of cat that originated in central Turkey, specifically the Ankara region. The Turkish Angora is also known as the Ankara cat.
It's amazing to see how deeply ingrained cats are in Turkish culture, and how they're celebrated in many different ways.
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Cats in the 21st Century
In Istanbul, there's a popular saying that goes, "If you kill a cat, you need to build a mosque to be forgiven by God." This shows just how seriously the people of Istanbul take their responsibility of caring for cats.
As you wander through the city, you'll notice small containers by the sides of buildings, where discreet food rations are doled out by its inhabitants. While many cats are not formally adopted, they're still taken care of by everyone in a giant community network of cat caring.
It's heartening to see how the people of Istanbul have come together to care for their feline friends, even if they don't formally adopt them. In the 21st century, it's wonderful to see this kind of community spirit and dedication to caring for all creatures, great and small.
Not everything is a Fairy Tale story for Cats
Not everything is rosy for cats in Istanbul. While many people take cat care seriously and provide food and shelter, there are still issues like catfights and problems with the sheer volume of strays in the city. The Animal Welfare Act No. 5199 only imposes fines for offenders, and canines are often treated with less care and affection than cats.
However, there is some good news. Recently, Turkey introduced a new law that would make it a punishable crime to mistreat, torture, or neglect animals. The law is still in its early stages, but interested individuals can sign an online petition to show support.
In addition to individual efforts, foundations have been established to care for street dogs and cats. The world's first animal hospital was even established for storks with broken wings, and hospitals were founded for birds and other animals in various neighborhoods.
Finally, there is a documentary called "Cat" by Ceyda Torun that delves into the relationship between Istanbul and its cats. As the film says, cats in Istanbul represent something beyond just themselves - they embody the city's culture, authenticity, and character.
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