A Reclining Icon
Tombili, a street cat from Istanbul, captured the hearts of people worldwide with his iconic photo of him lounging on the sidewalk in a relaxed, laid-back pose. Living in Istanbul’s Kadıköy district, Tombili became a local celebrity for his friendly nature and unique style of reclining against steps.
From Local Fame to Global Recognition
Tombili’s relaxed pose turned into a global internet sensation, turning him into an iconic figure and cult symbol in Kadıköy. His fame spread quickly, and soon everyone from local residents to social media users around the world admired the street cat.
A Lasting Tribute
After Tombili’s death in 2016 due to kidney failure, the people of Kadıköy petitioned for a statue in his honor. The sculpture, created by Seval Şahin, replicated his famous pose and was unveiled in October 2016. Hundreds attended the ceremony, marking the cat’s place in the hearts of many.
The Statue’s Theft and Return
Just a month later, Tombili’s statue was stolen, sparking outrage and international concern. Fortunately, it was returned two days later, much to the relief of fans worldwide, solidifying Tombili’s legacy as a beloved icon.
Tombili, a street cat from Istanbul, captured the hearts of people worldwide with his iconic photo of him lounging on the sidewalk in a relaxed, laid-back pose. Living in Istanbul’s Kadıköy district, Tombili became a local celebrity for his friendly nature…🧵👇 pic.twitter.com/aepqzEL6gE
— Detective Tiger's Stories (@TigerDetective) April 4, 2025