When a beloved street cat died, locals memorialized her by putting a statue of her in her favorite spot

In the bustling streets of Istanbul, where the air is filled with the hustle and bustle of daily life, there lived a furry celebrity who stole the hearts of locals—Tombili, the chubby street cat with an attitude as carefree as a sunny day.

Tombili wasn’t your ordinary feline; she was a symbol of the community’s kindness and the embodiment of the Turkish spirit. The streets of Kadıköy were her kingdom, and her iconic lounging pose on the sidewalk captured the essence of a cat who knew how to enjoy life to the fullest.

Her fame transcended the streets of Istanbul when pictures of her leisurely demeanor circulated online. People from all walks of life found something relatable in Tombili, turning her into a sensation and a beloved figure.

Tragically, on August 1, 2016, Tombili crossed the rainbow bridge, leaving a void in the hearts of those who had come to adore her. But this is no ordinary stray cat tale; Istanbul, unwilling to let Tombili fade into the shadows, decided to immortalize her in a remarkable way.

The caring community, heartbroken over the loss of their beloved street cat, rallied together. A Change.org petition was launched, calling for a statue to honor Tombili’s memory—a tribute to the chubby cat who had graced the streets for 11 unforgettable years.

Their efforts bore fruit, and an artist named Seval Şahin stepped forward to bring Tombili back to life in the form of a statue. The sculpture, unveiled on October 4, World Animal Protection Day, stands proudly in Tombili’s favorite spot on the sidewalk, forever preserving her relaxed and iconic pose.

The story of Tombili isn’t just about a cat; it’s a testament to the compassion and unity of a community that decided to celebrate the life of a stray cat who had become a symbol of their neighborhood. The statue serves as a gathering place for both humans and animals, a spot where memories of Tombili can be cherished.

One touching photo captures the essence of this memorial—a cat, perhaps a distant relative or a fellow furry friend, coming to pay respects to the late icon. Tombili may have left this world, but her spirit lives on through the statue and the heartwarming memories shared by the community.

So, let’s share this tale of love, remembrance, and the extraordinary bond between a community and its feline friend. Rest in peace, Tombili, you may be gone, but you’re certainly not forgotten.