The city of cats.

 Istanbul or Constantinople is the city of cats.

  Khande, the street cat, is the first thing that attracts the attention and love of anyone visiting Istanbul.

This cat, which has captured the hearts of tourists, is so famous that when Mr. Barack Obama visited Turkey in 2009, the first thing he did was to take a picture (selfie) with this street cat.

Last year, approximately 125,000 cats live in Istanbul.

There is a saying that the cat is not in my house, I live in the cat's house.

The people of Istanbul say, "We also live in the town of cats."

These people have been living in this city for about 600 to 700 years.

  During the Byzantine rule, these people were the first to land by ships that came from Egypt.

Because at that time it was common to keep a few cats on board to protect them from rats and insects.

The cat that came like this is gradually taking control of the city.

The townspeople gradually succumb to them.

It is the responsibility of the city residents to feed the street cats two or three times a day, to make shelters and small houses for them to sleep in during the cold and rainy season, and to take care of them when they are sick.

In front of houses and shops, in parks, at bus stops, you can see bowls for drinking water and food.

Most of the places I've seen are pretty clean.

"We don't have to worry about paying the cat tax." Istanbullu says and laughs.

While walking along the streets of the city, these people come to walk with anyone.

You can see these people inside the shops.. on the roofs.. looking out of the windows.. everywhere.

It should be known that the city does not have much trouble from rats.

In 2016, the documentary film Kedi Nam Vartha made about these street cats became popular all over the world.

Even without Arnold or Angelina Jolie, this movie managed to earn millions of dollars and won everyone's love.

The Byzantine Empire came and went.. The Ottomans spread their power and then collapsed.

Neither the politicians nor the imperialists are limited to five cents, these cat people are still living well.

Rulers like Erdoğan come and go and disappear.

If you ever visit Istanbul, don't forget to stop and talk to a cat.

Some photos are via tumblr.

Thanks to the photographers.

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