Why are there so many cats in Istanbul, and what was their historical role?

The large cat population is rooted in the city's history as a maritime hub and its former architectural style. During the Ottoman era, most houses were built of wood, which attracted mice and rats; cats served as a "private security firm" to protect food supplies and paper documents in libraries. Additionally, Istanbul's status as a major port meant that "sailor cats" frequently disembarked from international ships to hunt rodents and stayed to mix with the local feline population.

What is a "mancacı" and how did the community traditionally care for strays?

A *mancacı* was a professional "cat sitter" or food seller in the Ottoman era. Residents who wanted to care for neighborhood strays could purchase portions of food from these professionals to distribute to the animals. This tradition highlights that caring for street cats has been a respected, community-wide collaboration for centuries rather than just a modern hobby.

How does Islamic tradition influence the treatment of cats in the city?

In Islamic tradition, cats are considered ritually clean (*halal*) and are admired for their cleanliness. They are allowed to enter homes and mosques, and lore suggests that water a cat has drunk from remains pure for ritual washing. A famous story about the Prophet Muhammad involves him cutting the sleeve off his robe rather than disturbing his sleeping cat, Muezza, which has fostered a long-standing culture of mercy and protection toward felines.

What modern measures does the Turkish government take to manage the cat population?

Turkey follows a "trap-neuter-return" (TNR) strategy to humanely manage the population, with the government sterilizing tens of thousands of cats annually. Under the Animal Welfare Act of 2004 and subsequent updates, it is illegal to kill stray animals, and mistreatment can lead to jail time. Municipalities provide free veterinary services, and the city has installed numerous "cat houses" to provide shelter during the winter.

Who were Gli and Tombili, and why are they significant?

Gli and Tombili are two of Istanbul's most famous feline "citizens" who became symbols of the city's bond with cats. Gli was a resident of the Hagia Sophia for sixteen years, gaining international fame and even meeting world leaders like Barack Obama. Tombili became a global internet meme for her relaxed reclining pose on a sidewalk in Kadıköy; after her death, the local community honored her with a bronze statue in that exact spot to serve as a permanent neighborhood landmark.

Istanbul's Street Cats and the Legend of Catstanbul

22 min

25 sources

Mar 26, 2026

History Society Nature

Stray cats in Istanbul aren't just pets—they're the city's soul. Discover the history and legends behind these community-owned feline ambassadors.

Best quote from Istanbul's Street Cats and the Legend of Catstanbul

In Istanbul, a cat belongs to everyone and no one at the same time; they are unofficial citizens who hold the key to the city’s soul.

This audio lesson was created by a BeFreed community member

Input question

The host welcomes listeners to the Real English channel. A lighthearted podcast about the cat phenomenon in Istanbul and about the famous cats of Istanbul and the story behind them.

Host voices

Lena

Eli

Learning style

Fun

Knowledge sources

Frequently Asked Questions

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"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."

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"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."

@djmikemoore

"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."

@Pitiful

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"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."

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Istanbul's Street Cats and the Legend of Catstanbul

22 min

25 sources

Mar 26, 2026

History Society Nature

Stray cats in Istanbul aren't just pets—they're the city's soul. Discover the history and legends behind these community-owned feline ambassadors.

Best quote from Istanbul's Street Cats and the Legend of Catstanbul

In Istanbul, a cat belongs to everyone and no one at the same time; they are unofficial citizens who hold the key to the city’s soul.

Key Takeaways

Catstanbul: The Unofficial Rulers of Istanbul

0:00

Lena: Imagine you’re sitting in a sun-drenched Istanbul café, the scent of fresh mackerel and saffron wafting through the air, when suddenly, a ginger tabby leaps onto the chair next to you. He doesn't want your kebab; he just wants to supervise your lunch. Welcome to Real English, where today we’re exploring "Catstanbul"—a city where a quarter of a million stray cats aren't just residents, they’re the soul of the streets.

0:28

Eli: It’s incredible, Lena. People actually call it "Catstantinople." There’s this beautiful hybrid status here; these cats aren't exactly pets, but they aren't ignored strays either. They’re a community-owned treasure. Some locals even believe that if the cats disappeared, a part of Istanbul’s very identity would vanish with them.

0:46

Lena: Right, and it’s not just a modern trend. This bond goes back centuries to Ottoman "cat sitters" and even ancient sea traders. Let’s explore how these whiskered ambassadors became the unofficial rulers of the city.

The Whisker-Laden Legacy of the Ottoman Empire

Sacred Paws and the Tale of Muezza

The Legends of Hagia Sophia and the Bronze Mascot

A Modern Approach to a Millennium-Old Friendship

Navigating the City of Whiskers

The Practical Playbook for Your Feline Adventure

A City That Purrs with History

This audio lesson was created by a BeFreed community member

Input question

The host welcomes listeners to the Real English channel. A lighthearted podcast about the cat phenomenon in Istanbul and about the famous cats of Istanbul and the story behind them.

Host voices

Lena

Eli

Learning style

Fun

Knowledge sources

Frequently Asked Questions

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@Cashflowbubu

From Columbia University alumni built in San Francisco

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"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."

@Moemenn

"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."

@Chloe, Solo founder, LA

117

"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."

@Raaaaaachelw

"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."

@Matt, YC alum

108

"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."

@Erin, Investment Banking Associate , NYC

254

"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."

@djmikemoore

"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."

@Pitiful

4.5K

"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."

@SofiaP

"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"

@Jaded_Falcon

201

"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."

@OojasSalunke

"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."

@Leo, Law Student, UPenn

483

"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"

@Cashflowbubu

"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."

@Moemenn

"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."

@Chloe, Solo founder, LA

117

"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."

@Raaaaaachelw

"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."

@Matt, YC alum

108

"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."

@Erin, Investment Banking Associate , NYC

254

"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."

@djmikemoore

"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."

@Pitiful

4.5K

"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."

@SofiaP

"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"

@Jaded_Falcon

201

"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."

@OojasSalunke

"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."

@Leo, Law Student, UPenn

483

"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"

@Cashflowbubu

"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."

@Moemenn

"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."

@Chloe, Solo founder, LA

117

"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."

@Raaaaaachelw

"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."

@Matt, YC alum

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@Erin, Investment Banking Associate , NYC

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"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."

@SofiaP

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