Where the Constantinople Hippodrome once stood, next to the Blue Mosque and nearby Hagia Sophia, and where once horses would thunder by, pulling chariots for the amusement of the crowd, there is an obelisk. It’s the Obelisk of Theodosius I, re-erected in the square in 390 AD. Here we spied another daring feline perched on the edge.
The ancient Obelisk of Theodosius I
Photo: Apaleutos25
Here amongst all this history, the city’s modern guardians roam. These streetwise cats move with the confidence of creatures who know they are welcome and loved by the tourists from many nations.
Crossing the square. A cat on a mission.
Photo: Ed
This kitty perhaps was drawn to the cooler air around the pit at the base of the obelisk…who knows…
One fearless acrobat of the square, in the shadow of the ancient monument.
Ever the opportunists, this cheeky so n’ so approached us with the confidence of a local celebrity (with his moggy entourage in tow of course), pausing to check on whether there were any treats to blag. … and then duly hung around, muscling in on my stripy cushion.
Ready to pounce… if …no more morsels were offered … this tough kitty stuck his claw into my finger but I forgave him of course.
Photo: Ed
Next day down at the waterfront another friendly mog made a beeline for us and stuck around for fuss even though we had no food to give.
Not so, fast asleep (one eye open anyone), and enjoying a few rays of sun seeping through the cloud.
Photo: Ed
And later on, who should be waiting at the entrance to the Blue Mosque but this regal ‘lion’. It was as though he had been employed to greet visitors (maybe he was, and is being paid in fish suppers).
One regal ‘Lion’
Photo: Ed
…Unmoved by a stroke from this stranger
Photo: Ed
Now, by the The Tomb of Ahmet Tevfik Pasha (the last Grand Vizier of the Ottoman Empire) sat another guardian. A stocky customer this one and seemed to have no interest in our attentions … used to all this fuss from the passers by no doubt.
Standing Guard…. on his own tail
Photo: Ed
To the park next and we sat for no more than 5 minutes when this trio showed up. Curiosity is assured in every cat. More so in Istanbul it seems.
The sunset gang or three amigos
Photo: Ed
Basking in the midday warmth
Photo: Ed
Perhaps it is only in Istanbul where would you find a vending machine dedicated to feeding the city’s feline citizens. It’s a small reminder of how deeply loved these animals are. The council have spoken for the people!
Mama Otomatı – A vending machine just for cats … It dispences cat food … as this daring Corvid well knew.
Photo: Steve Walker – https://swpics.co.uk/
As night fell and the city lights flickered on, this cat took up his post like a seasoned night watchman – on the oft loved – car bonnet lookout post. Keeping warm and way above all the possible enemies in the area this kitty was safe. He observed everything with calm authority — the traffic, the straggling tourists, the vendors, the swirl of evening life… and us eating our late dinner.
Car cat – keeping safe and warm
Photo: Ed
A night-time guardian of the streets
Photo: Ed
Footnote
Tombili was a chubby, relaxed street cat from the Kadıköy district of Istanbul who became an internet sensation thanks to one iconic photo: Tombili reclining on a sidewalk step like a philosopher enjoying life.
The image spread worldwide, turning Tombili into a symbol of Istanbul’s easygoing street‑cat spirit. When she passed away in 2016, locals petitioned the city to honour her — and succeeded. A bronze statue now stands on the very spot where she struck her famous pose.
Tombili remains a beloved figure, celebrated for her charm, humour, and the joy she brought to millions.
As we have seen, these free roaming cats are a common sight in Istanbul, where many of the city’s residents offer food, shelter and above all love.
