Among the many pleasant aspects of life I find wandering the streets of Istanbul is the care that people share for the many dogs and cats that inhabit the city.
Felines and canines hold a special status in the everyday life of Istanbul.
Other cities I’ve been to, such as Penang, Malaysia, revere cats with monuments and a cat museum, and they play into the role of a marketing theme for the city.
Istanbul shares that reverence for cats and cares as well for dogs.
It’s no coincidence that Penang and Istanbul are predominately Muslim communities.
Cats are valued for their devotion to cleanliness, and their ability to keep premises free of rodents. It’s said the prophet Muhammed once cut off part of his robe before rising from prayer so as not to disturb a cat that lay sleeping in its folds.
Most cities, however, display an indifference bordering on neglect for the stray cats and dogs in their neighborhoods.
In Istanbul, the animals roam freely about the streets and feed on fresh water and food left for them on sidewalks outside homes and businesses.
Although many dogs I’ve seen bear mangy coats and skeletal disfigurements, perhaps from being struck by cars in Istanbul’s crowded streets, people make sure they are provided food and water in the backstreets of the Balat-Fener neighborhood where I spend most of my time,
Yet while dogs get their share of the love, cats are special throughout Istanbul.
Stop for a few moments anywhere it seems and some cats are likely to show up to join you.
I was in a restaurant in Sultanahmet when a cat sat silently beside me and reached up with its paw to my lap, soliciting my invitation, while I noticed its friend watching from under the table.
They are a ubiquitous part of the city landscape, sleeping or watching patiently from perches, nooks and crannies of the city’s many varied neighborhoods. The estimated population of 150,00 cats in this city of 15 million is, by my estimation, understated.
Istanbul residents nevertheless are devoted guardians of their four-legged friends, making the care and feeding of them a way of life that I’ve not seen I’ve not seen elsewhere.
For more information, take a look at this National Geographic link.
And Jodi Ettenberg of Legal Nomads wrote this wonderful article.
It’s heartening to know that the city is kind to its four-legged inhabitants. Cute pictures! And I love the description of the cat approaching you at the restaurant.
Wow Dave that’s an amazing observation…love the connection to history too! I love these posts!