One of the first things that attract the attention of many foreigners who visit Türkiye is countless cats that wander freely through the streets of the city. These cats, which can come across in parks, mosque courtyards, bookstores and even restaurants, are not only cute details; It is the living witnesses of a culture that has been going on for centuries.
So, why are there so many cats in Türkiye? The answer to this question is hidden in the social structure of the Ottoman society and the tradition of foundation, which makes mercy on animals a way of life. The valuation of cats as a part of social peace, not only as an animal, forms the basis of this unique cat love that lasts even today.
Sensitivity towards animal welfare in the Ottoman Empire
Ottoman EmpireHe attracted attention not only with his political and military structure, but also with humanitarian approaches for animals. The compassion, which is shown for street animals, especially cats, has in -depth to the social life of the period. In some regions, soup kitchen was established for cats, regular food supply was provided by agreements with butchers and even private health centers serving these animals were created.
Mancacılar: Officers in charge of Service to Cats
While the care of street animals in Ottoman society was seen as a public duty, the administration of this work was carried out through the special officials called “Mancacılar .. Mancacılarthe resources allocated to them were obliged to provide cats and dogs. This task was considered only as an expression of social conscience beyond physical care.
Retures that will be a testament to animals
Among the Ottoman people, the understanding of assistance for animals was also widespread at the individual level. Many people, before he passed away, had some of their inheritances to feed cats and dogs. These aids gained formally with detailed wills covering the saturation of a certain number of street animals on certain days, and this practice was mentioned with charity prayers.
Istanbul Cats: Guests from prehistoric history
The existence of cats in Istanbul extends not only to the Ottoman period, but to the ancient Egyptian and Mesopotamian civilizations. The cats, which reached Istanbul from these regions to Anatolia and from there to Byzantium and the Ottomans, were first domesticated in order to combat pests in agricultural areas and became an indispensable part of urban life.
Genetic Traces: The Origin of Cats
Current scientific studies show that street cats living in Türkiye are largely of Anatolian and Egyptian origin through DNA analysis. This reveals that Istanbul is an important intersection point in terms of the historical migration routes and the relationship they establish with human communities.
From palace to street: the interest of the sultans to cats
In the Ottoman palace, a special interest was shown to the cats. Sultan II. Abdulhamid’s cat Aga Efendithe palace had become a natural part of his life. In fact, this cute cat was free enough to intervene in the sultan’s games from time to time. Such examples indicate that animals are not only protected but also included in the daily life of the social life and even the ruling class.
Cultural Continuity in today’s Turkey
This cultural and social approach, which lasted for centuries, still remains vitality in today’s Turkey. In many cities, especially in Istanbul, street cats are accepted as part of the society and are often respected. Cats in cafes under the table, sleeping between the shelves in bookstores or quietly circulating in mosque courtyards, cats are an indication that this historical heritage continues in current life.
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