Why Are There So Many Cats in Istanbul

Travelers in Istanbul often find themselves asking the same question.

Why so many cats in Istanbul?

They're everywhere.

On subway turnstiles, bus stop benches, shop shelves, and even concert stages.

But no one shoots them away.

Instead, you'll find bowls of food, water, and cat shelters on almost every corner.

This generosity has earned the cats trust, making them affectionate and approachable.

And just like that.

See, I'm not even carrying any food.

They're so friendly, just putting their paws on my knees and crawling in my arms.

Cats have become a calling card for Istanbul.

There are cat celebrities, cat statues, cat parks, and even a cat museum.

Now we're at the Cat Museum Istanbul to trace the history between the city and its feline residents.

The cats were first introduced to the city by the sailors.

Because the ships in the medieval times, they were having cats against rodents.

During the Ottoman Empire, most of the houses were wooden houses.

It brings more rodents and vermin.

Cats are easily accepted indoors.

Even back then, there was already a dedicated profession to feed the stray cats.

Mancacı, they were called.

These specially designated people who were feeding street animals by selling food to the street animal lovers.

Over the centuries, a unique bond has developed between people and cats in Istanbul.

To the locals, these free-roaming cats are neither pets nor strays.

They're neighbors, companions, and fellow residents.

Humans and cats coexist in harmony, interdependent yet respectful of each other's space.

In a local park, you can see these neatly arranged cat villas.

And there's even an exclusively fenced area for cats.

Normally fences are keeping animals from getting out, but this one keeps people from getting in.

Here we met a staff member checking on the cats.

He's from a government agency dedicated to stray animal care.

They conduct regular health checks and take sick ones to pet hospitals.

So you can also find these kind of vending machines on the street.

You just need to deposit a plastic bottle or a coin.

And then the machine will dispense a portion of cat food.

This is a brilliant solution to address both animal hunger and urban recycling.

It means that if you don't like cats or animals, you cannot like or love humans.

So it's part of being human.

So it's part of our both cultures.

Sharing this idea or sympathy with people across all around.

Yeah, I think it's a universal thing.

People from different countries, different cultures, they come and assemble.

It doesn't matter from which country you came.

You just see these little cute creatures and you want to take a photo of them.

You want to look at them.

Over its millennia of history, this city has carried many grand names.

Byzantium, Constantinople, Istanbul.

Today, it has earned a name rooted in its compassion.

The City of Cats.