The historic mosque courtyards of Istanbul, Türkiye, continue to serve as safe havens for stray cats, keeping a centuries-old Ottoman tradition of animal welfare alive. Historians note that this deep-rooted compassion was historically woven into the city’s legal fabric, with original endowment deeds explicitly allocating funds to feed and protect neighborhood animals. Today, this compassionate legacy thrives in locations like the Şehzadebaşı Mosque, where dedicated community volunteers provide daily food and medical care for dozens of felines. Embraced as cherished residents rather than mere street animals, these cats find natural, peaceful sanctuaries within the historic grounds. Heartwarming scenes of these well-cared-for felines basking in the sun showcase a unique cultural heritage where respecting all living creatures remains a sacred civic duty.
Ahmet Faruk Sarıkoç