The Istanbul stray cat that lives on in memories and bronze (Credit: Reddit) If Delhi's Fat Dog contest had got you overtly emotional and involved, just know that Turkey has a rather similar story - maybe not in fact, but definitely in sentiment - of its own, and the story revolves around one of its most prolifically loved stray cats, who went by the name of Tombili. Also Read: The October Travel Hack Is Here: How 3 Leaves Can Get You A 6-Night International Trip Tombili's big little memorial, and its own legacy in a way, doesn't come as a surprise especially with Istanbul being the landscape for it; because in this city, the sentiment of a 'stray cat' simply doesn't exist. Instead, feline friends are as a rule of thumb, treated as collective neighbourhood pets as opposed to wild strays. The tradition in a sense, dates back to the Ottoman Empire and cats' roles at the time, as natural predators for the rodent-infested wooden homes. In turn, they were truly revered; as a matter of fact, the Ottoman Empire had official jobs like mancacis or 'cat sitters' to feed street felines. Not just this, in Islam, cats are viewed as ritually clean and pure animals - Prophet Muhammad Himself too, harboured a deep affection for them. This sentiment today, has developed into a tradition of 'miniature cat houses' all over the capital city, with entire neighbourhoods leaving out food and water as a way to look out for these cats, who in all senses, belong to the city. Also Read: When Should You Book Your Christmas Flight And For Where? Google Has An Answer If you call yourself a cat lover, you must then, make your way to Istanbul - it'll be your very own Disney trip! Travel News - Find latest news and tips based on Indian and World travel including top 10 travel destination, tourism information, how to reach visit and more at Times Now. Aalokitaa Basu is a writer and Senior Copy Editor whose work explores the intersection of lifestyle, culture, beauty, wellness, and self-possession. H... View More