Istanbul is one of the main cities of Turkey. Its old name is Constantinople. It was once also known as Byzantium. Istanbul is called the city of cats.

Istanbul, often referred to as "the city of cats," is a place where felines roam freely and have become an inseparable part of the city's culture and charm. Unlike most cities, where stray animals might be seen as a nuisance, cats in Istanbul are treated almost like citizens. They lounge on ancient ruins, nap on café chairs, and stroll down cobbled streets with a regal air, as if they own the place—which, in a way, they do. ‍


The city’s love affair with cats dates back centuries, rooted in its blend of Ottoman, Byzantine, and Islamic traditions, where cats were seen as protectors of homes and ships, guarding them against pests. Today, they are revered as symbols of independence, grace, and mystery. You can find bowls of food and water left out for them in alleys, parks, and doorsteps, reflecting the collective care of the city's residents. Local shops, cafés, and even mosques often have a few furry "staff members" lounging around, adding warmth and character to these spaces.



One of the most endearing things about Istanbul's cats is how they have inspired art, literature, and film. They are the stars of murals, postcards, and documentaries, such as the acclaimed film Kedi, which beautifully captures their daily lives and the human connections they form. The film helped the world see what Istanbul have always known: these cats aren’t just stray animals; they are companions, confidants, and, in a way, guardians of the city's soul.





In Istanbul, a cat might wander into a tea shop and settle down as if it’s always been there. Strangers might stop to pet or feed a cat, sharing a brief but tender moment with a creature that carries no name but is deeply loved. This mutual understanding between the city's people and its cats creates a unique urban tapestry, where the line between the human world and the animal world blurs, and coexistence becomes a beautiful, everyday reality.







Cats can be seen in Istanbul's alleys, narrow streets, roofs of houses, window cornices, near doors, in almost every corner of the house. Cats of different colors, different ages, shapes and postures.


Sometimes they enter shops or markets in search of food. The cat has become an integral part of living throughout Istanbul, Europe's largest city.


There are so many cats all over the city that no one would be surprised if a cat entered the office meeting room and walked in the middle of the meeting. Because the people of the city have become accustomed to it.

Shop owners and locals often know the names of cats in their neighborhood. When they meet someone or have a guest at home, they first start talking about their cat, just like we talk or inquire about a friend.

Many people keep more than one cat in the house to keep them warm during the cold winter nights. There is a cat house for that cat again. Istanbul markets have cat and cat markets. In these markets, discounts are given on the price of cats on the occasion of various festivals or special days.


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