Buzz
Within the heart of Istanbul, Turkey, thousands of free-spirited stray cats roam the city streets, evolving into an indispensable symbol of this mesmerizing urban landscape.
Exploring Istanbul - Chronicles of the Wild Feline Capital
'Should the day arrive when feline grace departs, Istanbul shall cease to be Istanbul,' echoes a famous line from the documentary masterpiece 'Kedi' (Cat).
For reasons unknown and timelines blurred, this city has become the communal haven for myriad wild cats. They wander freely, gracefully crossing paths with Istanbul travelers savoring steaming cups of coffee at roadside cafes.
This tribe of cats inhabits their earthly paradise - Istanbul, the capital of Turkey, the sovereign realm of untamed felines...
The City of 'Catmania'
Exploring Istanbul, wandering through the streets, every now and then, tourists come across a few bowls of food or drinks neatly placed on the sidewalk. It's not the mischievous trick of a playful kid but a gift that the city residents give to the stray cats. No one says anything, but everyone here wants to help these wandering cats live without hunger and thirst throughout their short lives.
Exploring Istanbul, you might even come across tip boxes, not for people, but for cats. In a way, they resemble the voluntary donation boxes in some public places in Vietnam. However, instead of being used for various purposes, the tip boxes in Istanbul are 'planned' to buy medicine and provide treatment for sick or injured cats.
'Money is not an issue when it comes to cats,' a pet store employee shared with Reuters. 'If people find sick or injured cats, they will take them to the hospital. After recovery, the cats will be returned to the streets to continue their wandering lives.
If you put dogs and cats on the scale of affection, it's not hard to find out which animal is more emotionally attached. Feed a dog, and it will cuddle or even follow you around. But in the case of cats, sometimes, they will just walk away without even bothering to look at you. That's the reality.
However, this perspective doesn't apply to the people of Istanbul. In the documentary film Kedi, this issue was explained: 'Cats understand that humans are following the will of God. They are not ungrateful animals; simply put, they understand many things more than we think.
If you want to capture the essence of Istanbul residents' 'madness' for cats, just hop online and search for 'Cats of Istanbul.' It's a delightful virtual space where people eagerly share and post adorable moments featuring a diverse array of feline friends encountered throughout the capital's streets. Whether it's a cat curled up on windowsills, a pair snuggling like lovebirds, or felines 'losing their shoes' in a playful chase with mice - it's all there.
From the cute and cuddly to the quirky, every type of cat has its admirers. Currently, the 'Cats of Istanbul' fan page has attracted over 84,000 likes, and their Instagram account boasts a sizable following. It's a testament to the universal appeal of these charming creatures.
In some instances, these cats become iconic enough to be memorialized by the locals. If you're a social media enthusiast, you might have come across a photo of a chubby cat casually lounging on a sidewalk with an air of 'this world is mine.' Meet Tombili, one of the thousands of free-roaming cats on the streets of Istanbul.
Tracing the roots of affection
The majority of Turkey's residents adhere to the Islamic faith, and Istanbul is no exception.
Feel the love
In the ancient scrolls documenting the teachings of the 'last prophet' Muhammad, abundant evidence reveals his deep affection for cats.
Since time immemorial, Muhammad had a beloved pet cat named Muezza. Although the veracity is uncertain, there is a tale that this feline companion once saved its owner's life by fatally biting a venomous snake approaching Muhammad's sleeve. This incident only deepened Muhammad's love for cats.
Legends tell that he cared for Muezza to the extent of sharing baths and drinking from the same water source. A more famous anecdote discloses that Muhammad even cut off the right sleeve of his robe to avoid disturbing his sleeping feline friend after discovering Muezza at rest.
Scientifically, cats can fall from heights without harm because their bodies have the ability to self-regulate balance before landing. This intricate process involves the brain, sensory impulses, and limbs, all coordinated swiftly.
However, for followers of Islam, cats possess extraordinary abilities as they are blessed by Muhammad. Due to his profound affection for these creatures, the 'last prophet' bestowed upon cats the ability to land with a grace as if walking on clouds.
Furthermore, cats are regarded as protectors in various aspects of life among Islamic believers. They thwart mice from gnawing on precious books in libraries, safeguarding humans from diseases carried by these rodents.
Authored by Theo, a curious explorer at Zing News
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Explore more at: Travel guide from Mytour
MytourApril 1, 2019
