The elegant Topkapi Palace in Istanbul has welcomed back some of its most charming residents — the cats. A small cat door, dating back to the Ottoman era and leading to the palace’s harem, has been meticulously restored according to its original design.
The passage once connected the chambers of the kara ağalar — the black eunuchs who guarded the Sultan’s harem. Now, just like centuries ago, cats can freely wander through the palace’s ancient corridors, once home to sultans, concubines, and court officials.
İlhan Kocaman, head of the Topkapi Palace maintenance department, explained the historical importance of the site:
“The Darüssaade Agha held the highest rank among the palace guardians. The rooms connected to the door with the cat entrance were used by lower-ranking attendants who often brought their cats — hence, a dedicated door was made for them.”
Kocaman added that palace cats remain part of the living heritage of Topkapi:
“Some cats leave certain areas, others move in. Our staff ensures that their needs are met — food, care, and comfort. We want to preserve this Ottoman tradition and share it with visitors.”
The restoration of the cat passage is part of a broader heritage preservation effort that celebrates not only the architecture of Topkapi but also the cultural affection for animals that defined Ottoman daily life.