Harvard University physician and medical anthropologist Gideon Lasco discussed the cat-human relationship he encountered during his visit to Türkiye.
In an article published in ZME Science, the anthropologist discussed what the long-standing practice of caring for cats in Türkiye offers about human societies.
"Cats are everywhere in Türkiye. In Istanbul, which I visited before heading East, cats were welcome not only in cafes but also in homes, restaurants, hotels, and bars," Lasco said. "As an anthropologist, this closeness to cats fascinates me."
'Islam has a great influence'
The scientist, who noted that Islam plays a significant role in the widespread adoption of cats in Türkiye, wrote, "Some Muslims have ambivalent attitudes toward keeping dogs as pets. Cats, on the other hand, are traditionally considered clean. The Prophet of Islam, Muhammad, is said to have loved cats. This love of cats goes back to him."
The anthropologist recounted meeting an imam in Istanbul who allowed cats into the mosque where he worked. He also shared a saying he learned there: "If you kill a cat, you have to build seven mosques."
According to historian Ekrem Buğra Ekinci, cats' ability to control rodents made them "an indispensable part" of homes during the Ottoman Empire. Written records from the 16th century indicate that there were cat hospitals and gardens in and around Istanbul, where locals fed and cared for large stray cat populations.
'Cats retained their independent spirit'
Anthropologist Lasco wrote that he thought cats' independent stance was also effective in their widespread adoption.
According to science writer Michael Gross, this also has something to do with human evolution. While dogs have changed radically due to the need to reproduce and adapt to human society, cats have become more like wild horses. They haven't changed much and have retained their independent spirit.
Lasco also stated that the earthquakes centred in Maraş and Hatay in 2023 also provided examples of the strong bond Turkish people have with cats.
"During the earthquake, there were reports of people making great efforts to rescue cats trapped under the rubble. Some cats returned the favour by refusing to leave their rescuers' side."
'Cat death linked to Black Death outbreak in Europe'
On the other hand, Lasco also mentioned in his article that although cats are generally loved in Türkiye, the animals are neglected in some regions.
However, according to Lasco, there are serious examples of "disagreements" between cats and humans around the world.
Especially among medieval Christians, cats were sometimes associated with paganism and witchcraft and were viewed with suspicion.
In some parts of Europe, people killed cats because they associated them with the devil.
"This led to an increase in the rat population, which likely encouraged the spread of the Black Death and other epidemics in the Middle Ages," Lasco said.
“I wrote this piece in a cafe in Doğubayazıt, surrounded by two cats,” said the anthropologist, adding: “I left Türkiye, but the memory of that quiet cafe is as clear in my mind as the snow on top of Mount Ararat.”
