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PWB Peeps - Open Thread - Famous Cats: Gli of Hagia Sophia [1]
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Date: 2022-09-13
In 2019, The New York Times estimated that there were 125,000 cats roaming the streets of Istanbul. For the most part, the Turks do a pretty good job of looking after them. In 2004 a cross-eyed feline was born in Hagia Sophia, and in exchange for mice and bird catching duty she stayed and called it home. She was originally named Gri (Grey) but because of her personality, that was soon changed to Gli (meaning Union of Love). Over the years, she became the mascot of Hagia Sophia.
When Gli is not busy giving unlicensed tours, she’s happy to contemplate her high ceilings and her gilded staircases. Or find somewhere entirely majestic to perch, where she can people-watch. Or just nap. Sometimes, Gli is invited to meetings, but she’s unlikely to participate. She’s far too busy being a solitary princess in one of the most beautiful places in the world. Admiring the building’s glorious dome. Posing for the tourists. Basking in the sunlight. Contemplating the long and rich history of the building. Looking just a little bit magical. And being a perfect creature, entirely worthy of her glorious home.
tenderly.medium.com
As she grew older, Gli’s eyesight began to fail.
In 2014, Barack Obama met Gli during a tour of Hagia Sophia
And soon Gli became a social media influencer
with over 180,000 followers
In 2020, Gli died at the age of 16. She is buried in a special place
in the garden of Hagia Sophia.
360 Degree Virtual Tour of Hagia Sophia Mosque Museum (Right-click to open in a new tab)
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