Tombili was probably the most famous cat in Istanbul. He was so popular and loved by everybody that after his death, people placed a bronze statue of him on his favorite spot.
He was a favorite among his neighborhood and people loved playing with him. He became extremely popular on social media when a person decided to share a photo of Tombili reclining in one of his favorite spots. His photos also became popular memes that took over the Internet.
People loved him so much and wanted their favorite feline friend’s soul to stay around forever. More than 17.000 people signed a petition demanding a memorial sculpture of the chubby cat. Therefore, local sculptor Seval Şahin made a bronze sculpture, recreating the cat’s famous pose.
The sculpture was inaugurated on October 4, the World Animal Day. It was placed on Tombili’s favorite spot and hundreds of people came to pay their respects to the beloved cat, leaving cat food and lighting candles.
