Image: Reproduction/Instagram @hagiasophiacat
The Hagia Sophia Basilica, one of Istanbul’s most iconic landmarks, has undergone many transformations over the centuries. From a Christian basilica to a mosque, then a museum, and again a mosque in 2020, the site holds centuries of history.
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However, for many, the true symbol of Hagia Sophia was Gli, a cat who spent most of her 16 years living within these historic walls.
Gli was not just one of Istanbul’s many cats, in a city renowned for its feline population. She became a true local and international celebrity. With her undeniable charm and piercing gaze, Gli captured the hearts of tourists and residents alike, who described her as the “queen” of the Hagia Sophia Basilica.
An Instagram star
Gli’s popularity grew so much that she earned her own Instagram account, managed by Umut Bahceci, a former guide at the basilica. “I created an Instagram account for Gli to collect and keep her photos in one place. Over time, people started sending me their photos,” Bahceci told the website Bored Panda. The account, @hagiasophiacat, quickly attracted thousands of followers and reached over 118,000 at the time of her death.
Gli loved posing for photos, and many visitors to Hagia Sophia made it a point to capture a moment with her. For Bahceci, one word summed up Gli’s personality: “queen.”
A permanent home for cats
Even after Hagia Sophia’s conversion back into a mosque, the Turkish government made it clear that cats would still be welcome. Presidential spokesperson İbrahim Kalın stated: “That cat has become very famous, and there are others who have not yet become as famous. That cat will stay there, and all cats are welcome in our mosques.”
Farewell to a legend
Gli passed away on November 7, 2020, in a veterinary clinic in the Levent district of Istanbul. She was buried on the grounds of the Hagia Sophia Basilica, where she spent most of her life. Her death was mourned by followers around the world, who bid farewell to the “queen” of social media.
Gli’s legacy lives on, not only in the memories of those who knew her but also on her Instagram account, which remains active as a tribute to the life of a cat who became an icon of one of the world’s most significant monuments.
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Photos and videos: Reproduction/Instagram @hagiasophiacat. This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team.
