06/27/2025
https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=699741346179280&id=100084302616555&mibextid=wwXIfr
Cats in Turkey are deeply loved and even considered honorary citizens — in Istanbul, there are free veterinary clinics on the streets, cats can freely enter mosques, and Turkish people believe that cats bring good luck and ward off evil spirits.
In Turkey, and especially in Istanbul, cats are not just pets or stray animals wandering the streets. They are an essential part of the culture and identity of the place — a living element of the urban landscape, cherished, respected, and protected by the entire community. The cats that roam through old neighborhoods, sleep in bookstore windows, stretch lazily on mosque steps or park benches, do not "belong" to anyone — they belong to everyone.
In Istanbul, it's not unusual to see a cat stroll confidently into a café, sunbathe on a shop window ledge, or curl up among the books in a public library. Restaurant owners often leave plates of leftovers out for them, and locals frequently provide water and food, carefully placed in makeshift bowls on the sidewalk. On some streets, there are even miniature shelters built by residents — painted wooden houses with roofs and soft cushions, where cats can find refuge on cold or rainy days.
Furthermore, Istanbul has introduced mobile veterinary clinics or first-aid points for cats in certain areas, where animals can receive free treatment. These initiatives reflect the deep respect for cats and how much care for them has become part of daily life.
But the connection between the Turkish people and cats is not only practical or cultural — it is also spiritual. In Islamic tradition, the cat is considered a clean and revered animal. It is said that the Prophet Muhammad had a beloved cat, and in many mosques in Turkey, cats are warmly welcomed — they come and go freely, sleep peacefully in quiet prayer corners, and are treated gently by worshippers.
For many Turks, the cat is a symbol of good luck, protection, and balance. It’s said that the presence of a cat in a home brings peace, harmony, and keeps negative energy away. This is not just a superstition, but a long-standing belief passed down through generations, reinforced by a deep relationship of mutual respect between humans and animals.
In a bustling, densely populated city like Istanbul, cats seem to be the invisible guardians of calm. They cross busy boulevards with grace, pause at bakery doors, soften the rush of tourists with their quiet presence, and give residents one more reason to smile.
This peaceful coexistence, built on respect and protection, makes Turkey a unique place in the world, where cats don’t have to ask for love — they receive it naturally, as part of the very fabric of the city. In Turkey, cats are not merely tolerated — they are celebrated... 🐈🐈❤️
