The Ottoman Empire: A Historical Haven for Street Animals

One of the most striking observations made by early European travelers in the Ottoman Empire was the remarkable level of compassion shown toward street animals. While many Europeans found the presence of stray cats and dogs unpleasant, people in Ottoman society viewed the care of these animals as a moral and religious responsibility. This care was rooted in faith and shaped daily life in a very visible way.

“The animal on the street is God’s creature”

The guiding belief was simple: all living beings deserved kindness because they belonged to God. Feeding and helping an animal was seen as an act of charity, a way of earning spiritual merit, and a reflection of a believer’s character.

This attitude often puzzled foreigners. Some travelers admired the kindness they saw. Others, such as the Czech nobleman Vratislav, dismissed it as superstition. Despite these mixed reactions, many recorded how strongly the community protected animals. People who mistreated a cat, a dog, or even a bird could face public shame or immediate intervention by bystanders.

Family traditions also reflected this mindset. After recovering from an illness or overcoming a personal difficulty, it was common to feed animals or release caged birds as a gesture of gratitude. This act, known as “kuş salma,” symbolized both freedom and mercy.

Everyday charity and the culture of feeding

Compassion was not an occasional gesture. It was part of daily life, built into the rhythm of the city.

The “manca” tradition and the street vendors who fed animals

Over time, a specialized profession emerged. These vendors, called “mancacılar,” prepared boiled mixtures of liver, tripe, and scraps of meat. They carried these meals through the streets, calling out “Meat for the cat, meat for the dog.” Residents purchased these small portions and distributed them to the animals around them. This practice is well documented in Ottoman-era writings and remains one of the clearest examples of organized urban animal care.

Cats waiting on garden walls

Travelers often described a charming scene. At certain times of day, cats gathered on walls and thresholds, waiting for elderly women who came with small pieces of meat or leftovers prepared at home. Some women even placed the food on skewers so cats could eat comfortably without coming down. The feeding routines were so consistent that animals learned locations and times by heart.

Charity during Ramadan

During the month of Ramadan, the practice of feeding animals became even more visible. Extra food was prepared, water was placed near courtyards and fountains, and people made a conscious effort to show mercy to all living beings during the spiritual season.

Extending kindness beyond pets

Ottoman compassion reached many species beyond cats and dogs.

Releasing birds

“Kuş salma” was one of the most symbolic acts of charity. People bought caged birds from sellers and released them while reciting prayers. The act was considered meaningful, similar in spirit to freeing someone from bondage.

Caring for kites and other birds

Large birds, such as kites, were respected because they cleaned the city by eating waste. People deliberately fed them scraps of meat, recognizing their ecological role long before modern sanitation systems existed.

Feeding fish and building fountains

Some travelers described seeing people throw food into the sea to feed fish along the shores of Istanbul. Ottoman philanthropists also built fountains and public water dispensers known as sebils, ensuring that humans and animals could access clean water. In addition, caravanserais provided shelter for both travelers and their animals along long-distance routes.

Foreigners trying to make sense of Ottoman kindness

European travelers from the 15th to the 19th century often expressed amazement at the comfort of street animals in Ottoman cities. They described dogs sleeping peacefully in the sun, cats being fed at household doors, and birds being cared for as if they were part of the family. Some praised this kindness. Others found it strange simply because it did not align with their own cultural norms at the time.

Yet almost all noted that the Ottoman approach to animals was not accidental. It was tied to belief, custom, social responsibility, and a long-standing tradition of mercy.

A balanced view

While these practices were widespread and often admired, not every moment in Ottoman history reflected perfect harmony. Animal cruelty did exist, and certain forms of entertainment involving animals were present in some periods. Historical realities were complex, shaped by the time, region, and social class. Still, the documented acts of care, charity, and protection formed a cultural pattern that many travelers recognized as exceptional.

A legacy that continues to influence modern Turkey

The Ottoman tradition of compassion toward animals has left a lasting imprint on Turkish culture. Feeding cats in courtyards, leaving water bowls outside homes, and caring for stray dogs are still common habits today. These practices do not come from modern trends alone. They echo centuries of belief, generosity, and everyday kindness.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Did the Ottoman Empire have a system for caring for street animals?

A: Yes. The Ottoman world developed charitable foundations known as vakıf that also extended to animals. These foundations helped provide food, water, and care for street animals, reflecting a broader cultural idea of mercy and responsibility.

Q: What was the Gurabahane-i Laklakan?

A: The Gurabahane-i Laklakan, established in Bursa during the Ottoman period, was a specialized institution created to care for injured storks. It is considered one of the earliest known examples of organized animal care linked to charitable foundations.

Q: Why does this history matter in modern Turkey?

A: The visible affection for street cats and dogs in Turkish cities today did not appear suddenly. It reflects a long cultural tradition that views animals as part of shared urban life rather than as outsiders.