The Western civilization often has a terrible history towards their treatment of cats. During the medieval era, European Christendom has always considered cats as the companion of suspected witches. As a result, these poor creatures are killed and tortured by the ecclesiastical authority in horrific numbers along with their caretakers.
Ironically, on the other side of the world, these cats enjoyed the lavish coexistence with humans. The Islamic orient gave cats a royal treatment not only as a mere result of their irresistible charm. In fact, the predominant religion is instrumental to them being the favorite pets of Arabs.
The Prophet's Pets. Although the devotion of cats in the Middle East could be traced as far as Ancient Egypt and Babylon, they also enjoyed special privileges as spoiled four-legged children during the Islamic era. In fact, how these creatures are beloved by the Muslims until today first began in the household of the prophet himself. Legends say that Prophet Muhammad blessed his favorite wife's household pets days after he passed away. The M mark on each cat's forehead is a trace of his indelible fondness for them.
Ottoman History. As a wealthy Muslim empire, the Ottomans have maintained the tradition of spoiling cats. Like all cats in the Middle East, Ottoman felines are particularly treasured by kings and pashas for their playfulness while the scholars and common folk reward them for exterminating vermin. In fact, even the most humble houses in the Ottoman era have 'cat doors.' A lot of mosques in this period also have built-in birdhouses to prevent birds from being mauled by feline predators. Nothing has really changed much regarding the treatment of cats in Istanbul.
Stray Cat Hostel. The relatively excessive number of cats in Istanbul is more than just a casual reality in the city. In fact, its proud Muslim heritage gave its citizens an 'unusual' sense of pride of having their urban outdoors inundated with these adorable vermin hunters. Stray Cat Hostel is one of the tourist spots in Istanbul that serves as an undeniable gesture of cultural pride.
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