The news of Gli, the famous resident cat of Hagia Sophia, passing away has filled the hearts of both Istanbul’s residents and visitors with sadness. Gli had become an iconic presence at this historical monument, known in Turkey as Aya Sofya, which was recently restored to its original function as a mosque.
With captivating green eyes, Gli garnered international attention when former US President Barack Obama interacted with her during a visit in 2009. Originally constructed as a cathedral in 537 CE by Roman Emperor Justinian I, Hagia Sophia transitioned into a museum in 1934 under the decree of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the first president of Turkey.
This UNESCO World Heritage site represents a pinnacle of Byzantine architecture and served as Gli’s home for an impressive 16 years, allowing countless visitors to capture memorable moments alongside her.
Gli amassed a following of 130k on Instagram, showcasing her charming antics through the eyes of her dedicated caretakers. Despite the monument’s shift back to a mosque earlier this year, authorities confirmed her continued presence within this revered space. Sadly, Gli fell ill in September and received care at a veterinary clinic, but unfortunately, she passed away due to age-related issues. Her departure has led to a profound expression of affection from fans and prominent Turkish figures alike.
“I am sorry to lose Gli,” tweeted Istanbul’s governor, Ali Yerlikaya. In a heartfelt message, he noted, “Hagia Sophia’s cat Gli, who had been cared for in a private veterinary clinic in Levent since September 24, unfortunately, passed away due to old age. We will never forget you, Gli.”
