{"id":16577,"date":"2022-09-13T09:32:27","date_gmt":"2022-09-13T09:32:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.battleface.com\/blog\/?p=16577"},"modified":"2023-04-05T15:41:52","modified_gmt":"2023-04-05T15:41:52","slug":"the-stray-dogs-of-istanbul","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.battleface.com\/blog\/the-stray-dogs-of-istanbul\/","title":{"rendered":"The Stray Dogs of Istanbul"},"content":{"rendered":"Approx read: <\/span> 4<\/span> mins<\/span><\/span>

Roaming through Istanbul\u2019s streets, shops, mosques and traffic are thousands of stray dogs.<\/h2>\n

The city\u2019s relationship with canines is centuries old and part of the city\u2019s charm.<\/h3>\n

In the Neolithic temples of G\u00f6bekli Tepe in South-eastern Anatolia, archaeologists came across an unexpected find. One of the earliest pieces of evidence of the domestication of dogs comes from what is thought to be the oldest man-made structures ever unearthed.<\/p>\n

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From the hounds loved by the first Anatolian shepherds to the canines cared for by Istanbul\u2019s residents, Turkey\u2019s affection for homeless dogs is as unique as it is humane.<\/p>\n

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Only the most devoted dog lover could describe Istanbul\u2019s strays as cute. Patchy, dirty, and scarred coats mark most, while you\u2019d be fortunate to witness petting or intimate moments between people and stray dogs.<\/p>\n

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Unhoused but not unloved<\/h4>\n

Though the dogs\u2019 tactility remains largely untested, many in Istanbul make consistent and conscientious efforts to make their lives as comfortable as possible. Food scraps and water are prepared and left at regular places and intervals, makeshift shelters of cardboard and blankets are set out for shade or warmth, while the wheels of thousands of taxis, cars and delivery trucks steer carefully around ponderous pooches. The rush of city life slows down for stray dogs to wander and cross safely at will.<\/p>\n

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The West\u2019s narrow and judgemental perception that large stray dog populations are indicative of an uncaring society is challenged in Istanbul. Yes, the dogs are homeless. No, they\u2019re not unloved.<\/p>\n

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Barked by law<\/h4>\n

Turkey has a revolutionary legal framework that protects strays in its cities and communities which sits in harmony with what Islamic teachings state about the treatment of animals. Perhaps the message of the transcendental motivates a more compassionate way of coexisting with a species that for thousands of years has constantly evolved to appease humans. Man\u2019s best friend thrives here despite existing on the periphery.<\/p>\n

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While the sentiment of caring for strays is strong, the practicalities and problems of having huge populations of dogs roaming requires a plan, and money. Hungry dogs will bark at night, cause chaos with pack behaviour, often shred rubbish bags waiting for collection, and like all creatures create waste in and around the pavements and parks where 15 million inhabitants live, work and breathe.<\/p>\n

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Major dog-culling projects of the past were decried as cruel and public opinion at the voting booth forced legislation that protects stray animals, and a welfare fund that municipalities use to support sterilization programmes (between 2004 and 2020 over a million dogs were neutered and vaccinated across the country) and provide medical care to stray dogs. Animals returned to the streets after treatment are tagged \u2013 indicating to citizens that the dog has been cared for, has a medical record, and is not a breed prone to aggressive traits.<\/p>\n