Istanbul, the city where cats rule the streets

2025-11-21 21:26:00, Blog CNA

From Ottoman cat "keepers" to modern street watchmen, Istanbul's connection to its cats runs centuries deep.

In Istanbul, a delicate balance is achieved every day in its winding streets, mosques, metro stations and cafes.

More than 15 million people jostle for space in Turkey’s largest city, which straddles Europe and Asia, on both sides of the Bosphorus, like a domestic cat sitting half on the sofa, half on the coffee table. It’s an apt image, because there are an estimated quarter of a million stray cats living here. Cats are woven into the very fabric and history of the city, as ubiquitous as the rugs for sale on every corner. This is a city divided; a city that meows ceaselessly with love and life.

"Istanbul's cats, in general, are neither pets nor strays, but a hybrid of these terms. The cats are not owned by specific people, but are cared for by the community in their respective neighborhoods," says photographer Marcel Heijnen.

Co-founder of the Istanbul Cat Museum, Fatih Dagl?, says that every municipality has a veterinary department that helps stray animals in their district, with free sterilization services for stray cats. Private animal clinics also offer discounted services for stray cats, and residents often contribute to pay for vet bills.

Istanbul, the city where cats rule the streets

This devotion to cats is nothing new. The adoration of stray cats dates back to the time when Istanbul was under Ottoman rule. During this period, local foundations ensured that stray animals were cared for. This love for them turned into a full-time profession when a job called mancac? ("cat keeper") was created. Mancac?s were tasked with ensuring that the city's cats were fed, while residents also had the option of buying food from mancac?s and feeding the cats themselves.

During the Ottoman period, cats were kept for practical reasons. They worked to help keep vermin away from stored food.

Istanbul, the city where cats rule the streets

Since the Phoenicians, it was very common for seafaring merchants to keep cats on board to protect themselves from rodents. As silk and spice trading ships arrived at the busy ports of Istanbul during the Roman and Ottoman eras, so did countless cats.

Today, Istanbul residents still happily share their spaces, indoors and out, above and below ground, with their feline city. So much so that the nickname "Cat Istanbul" is widely used by cat lovers around the world, and many tourists make the trip there because of the cats.

Many stores also keep cats as companion animals, an effective lure for visitors to come in. Many others leave out bowls of food and water for stray animals that pass by, such as commuters going to and from work.

Istanbul, the city where cats rule the streets

Nowadays, cats have a different “job”. They are unofficial tourist ambassadors, softening the edges of a rough and tumble city. Many of Istanbul’s street cats will appear at your feet and in your photos, their faces, paws and meows will remain etched in your head and heart long after you leave this place. They are a tantalising reminder of what is possible when we peacefully share our spaces, our food and our lives with others, at home and while travelling. / BBC, adapted from CNA