When you step through the magnificent gates of Topkapi Palace, you are greeted not only by the decrees of sultans, invaluable treasures, and splendid pavilions. There is also another legacy that has roamed these stone courtyards for centuries, dozing in the shade of divans, and accompanying the flow of history with their meows. As an integral part of this historical heritage, Topkapi Palace cats have witnessed the rise and fall of the empire, becoming symbols not only of the palace’s owners but also of its most loyal inhabitants. In this article, we will trace the journey of the palace’s four-legged residents, detailing their historical journey from protectors of libraries to the affection of sultans, and their current significance.
Not Just Owners, But Residents of the Palace: The History of Cats
The presence of cats in Topkapi Palace is part of a deeply rooted tradition that dates back as far as the construction of the palace itself. This situation stems not only from a unique love for animals in Istanbul but also from the special value attributed to cats in Ottoman and Islamic culture. Narratives describing the love of the Islamic prophet Muhammad for his cat Muezza have led to cats being regarded as blessed and clean animals in society. This cultural perspective was reflected in Topkapi Palace, the administrative center of the empire, and cats became a natural element of palace life.
During the Ottoman period, the palace was a colossal, self-sufficient complex spanning hundreds of acres. In this vast structure comprising kitchens, cellars, archives, and living quarters, the presence of cats was more than an aesthetic element; it was a practical necessity. As residents throughout the palace, they secured an untouchable place for themselves in the heart of the empire. This deeply rooted tradition has been passed down from generation to generation within the palace walls and continues to this day. [Link: Istanbul’s Street Animals and Their Place in Social Life -> /istanbul-sokak-hayvanlari]
Guardians of the Libraries: Four-Legged Protectors Against Rodents
One of the most significant roles of cats in Topkapi Palace was to protect invaluable manuscripts and books from rodents. The Palace Library (Enderun Library) was a treasure trove containing thousands of rare works, imperial decrees, and valuable maps. Mice and other pests, attracted by the smell of paper and ink, posed a great threat to this cultural heritage. At this point, cats served as a biological control mechanism, protecting these precious works with their hunting instincts.
These four-legged guardians roamed freely in archive rooms and libraries, keeping the rodent population under control. Their presence was the most effective and natural method of protection in an era when chemical pesticides or traps were not yet in use. Thanks to them, many invaluable historical documents and manuscripts have largely survived to the present day due to the cats’ silent vigil. This situation proves that the concept of “palace animals” was not merely a symbol of affection but also a functional necessity.
Cats, Favorites of Sultans and Sovereigns
Historical records and palace narratives indicate that many Ottoman sultans had a special interest in and affection for cats. The independent and graceful nature of cats made them beings that attracted the attention of sultans and dynastic members within the rigid hierarchy of the palace. Sultan Abdülhamid’s love for cats is a known fact, and it is said that he cared for numerous cats in the palace. This personal interest of the sultans further strengthened the status of cats within the palace.
Cats living in the palace were not only creatures that combated pests but also companions and friends for the women and children in the harem. Their playfulness and affectionate demeanor brought a degree of joy to the serious and formal atmosphere of the palace. Although these “historical cat stories” may not be detailed in written records, they reveal the human aspect of palace life and the deep bond formed with animals. A sultan spending time with his favorite cat in the Has Oda (Private Chamber) is a powerful image reflecting the spirit of that era.
The Place and Importance of Cats in Palace Life
Cats were social creatures woven into the fabric of palace life, present in every area from the kitchens to the harem quarters. Especially the enormous palace kitchens, known as Matbah-ı Âmire, were a magnet for rodents due to food scraps. Cats assigned to this area played a critical role in ensuring the hygiene of food stores and provisions. In a sense, the food safety of the palace was the responsibility of these cats.
There has always been an interaction between the cat population in Sarayburnu and its surroundings and the palace cats. The palace was a safe haven and feeding ground for these cats. Palace officials took care of the cats, leaving food and water for them at specific points. This situation can also be seen as part of the Ottoman society’s understanding of philanthropy. Cats were not just a part of the palace, but living, breathing elements that reflected the spirit of the palace. [Link: Historical Sites on the UNESCO World Heritage List -> https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/356]
Love Passed Down Through Generations: Today’s Palace Cats
Even after the end of the Ottoman Empire and the transformation of Topkapi Palace into a museum, the cat population in the palace has continued to be protected and cared for like a legacy. Today, the palace administration, staff, and animal lovers work in cooperation to ensure the welfare of these historical residents. The regular feeding of the cats, meeting their water needs, and conducting veterinary checks are proof of how strong this tradition is.
Cats dozing in the courtyards, gardens, and even in the shadow of the historical structures of the palace are now living parts of the museum. For visitors, these cats transform the cold history within the stone walls of the palace into a warm and living experience. Their presence represents the current links in a chain of hundreds of years of love and respect, and this heritage is carefully preserved to be passed on to future generations.
Meet the Cats of Topkapi: Popular Cats Through Visitors’ Eyes
Today, visitors to Topkapi Palace can encounter cats resting in different courtyards and areas of the palace, known for their unique personalities. Although they do not have official names, there are some popular cats recognized by museum staff and frequent visitors. For example, a proud ginger cat roaming around the Tower of Justice might be named “Pasha” by visitors. An old and wise-looking tabby sleeping in the shade of the Divan-ı Hümayun (Imperial Council) might be nicknamed “Müverrih” (The Historian).
These cats often appear in visitors’ photographs and have become a popular part of the Topkapi Palace experience on social media. Interacting with them makes tourists feel that the palace is not just an inanimate museum, but a living place. When you encounter these adorable residents while touring the palace, remember that you are not just looking at a cat, but a living witness to hundreds of years of history. [Link: Topkapi Palace Visitor Guide -> /topkapi-sarayi-ziyaret-rehberi]
From Palace Guardians to City Icons
The cats of Topkapi Palace are more than just residents; they are a living link to the city’s soul. The same quiet dignity and watchful gaze you see in the palace courtyards can be found in the alleys of Balat, on the steps of the Galata Tower, and in the sun-drenched squares of Kadıköy. These cats are the silent, furry guardians of Istanbul’s heritage, a timeless thread connecting the era of the Sultans to the vibrant metropolis of today. To truly understand Istanbul, one must understand its cats, and their story always begins here, within these imperial walls.
