The stray dogs of Constantinople (now Istanbul) are not just ignored—they are protected by strong religious beliefs. Many Muslims in the city believe that harming a dog could bring bad luck. According to tradition, dogs are under the special protection of the Prophet Muhammad. Because of this belief, most Muslims would never hurt a dog, even if the animal is dirty or sick.
Even people who drive carriages or carts, like hackmen or cartmen, are very careful not to harm dogs. Instead of running over a sleeping dog in the middle of the road, a driver will get down from his cart and gently wake it up. Sometimes, he will softly flick his whip near the dog to warn it. The dog usually stretches, yawns, and slowly walks out of the way. This kind of behavior shows the care and respect people have for these animals Bulgaria Private Tours Kazanlak.
Dogs Live Without Care
Although the dogs are protected from harm, they are not cared for in any other way. People do not offer them shelter, medical help, or even try to treat the many diseases they suffer from—especially mange, a skin condition that affects most of them. Many of the dogs are in terrible condition and look very unhealthy. Still, they survive on the streets and often live in hidden places where they raise their puppies until the young ones are old enough to survive on their own The Dogs and Firemen of Constantinople.
How the Dogs Get Food
The dogs find food in a routine way. Every morning, butchers throw meat scraps into the street. The local dogs know when and where to be, and they rush to grab their share. Bakers also cut up old bread and toss it out for the dogs. Hotel and boarding-house workers put out garbage cans, and dogs search them for leftovers. Even though people feed them this way, no one invites the dogs inside or gives them real care.
A Growing or Shrinking Population?
Some city guides say the number of dogs is going down because new buildings are replacing open spaces where dogs used to live and breed. But others argue that the number is actually increasing. Tourists and newcomers often think the dogs are everywhere because they lie on sidewalks, roam the streets, and seem to be part of every neighborhood.
A Caution for Visitors
It’s not wise to kick or scare a dog in Constantinople. The dog might bite you, or worse, you might upset someone who sees dogs as sacred. Also, kicking a dog could cause a swarm of fleas to jump onto your clothes. Long-time residents say it’s best to leave the dogs alone. For locals, the dogs, along with their nighttime barking and howling, are just part of daily life—like the other annoyances of a busy city.
