A Turkish border city identified for its cats

[ad_1] The border city of Van in Turkey is thought for being a hub for Iranian vacationers, its lavish breakfasts ... and its cats.

JUANA SUMMERS, HOST:

The realm in Turkey close to the border with Iran is a hotbed of Iranian vacationers, dissidents and authorities officers. And it is the place NPR's Emily Feng has been reporting from through the warfare. However in occasions of peace, the border space is well-known amongst vacationers for one thing else fully, and it's not simply the panorama.

EMILY FENG, BYLINE: Turkey's japanese Van province butts proper up towards the snow-covered mountains that separate it from Iran. Folks come right here to see Turkey's largest lake, the crystalline blue Lake Van.

(SOUNDBITE OF CATS MEOWING)

FENG: And likewise to see its cats.

These attractive white cats well-known for his or her placing eyes. One is inexperienced, one is blue.

The Turkish authorities began defending these cats about 30 years in the past, they usually now breed them. About 50 of those Van cats are cared for right here at what's known as the Van cat villa on the town.

(SOUNDBITE OF CAT MEOWING)

FENG: I am surrounded by white cats proper now. However I've a secret, which is I am extra of a canine particular person. And I am making an attempt to not breathe an excessive amount of.

I am not that allergic.

The cats and the cat villa have change into a neighborhood attraction, and Marvay Inmila (ph) has come to see them whereas visiting from Istanbul.

MARVAY INMILA: (Non-English language spoken)

FENG: She says the Van cats prefer to stay in massive teams collectively. They don't seem to be meant to be pets.

(SOUNDBITE OF CAT MEOWING)

FENG: They're actually aggressive.

BARAN TALIBARAN: (Non-English language spoken).

FENG: The cats' carer, Baran Talibaran (ph), says in contrast to most different cats, the Van cat loves water. They have been identified to swim in Lake Van. Some Kurdish legends right here in Van say the cats are divinely blessed. Different folks tales hint them again to Noah's ark. All I do know is that they make me a bit itchy.

(SOUNDBITE OF CAT MEOWING)

FENG: Emily Feng, NPR Information, Van, Turkey.

(SOUNDBITE OF MUSIC)

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