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Van Cats: Turkey’s Feline Royalty and Their Mystical Origins

Undoubtedly, if you’re considering visiting Turkey, Istanbul, Cappadocia and the beaches of Antalya make your list of do visit places. But here is a lesser known place which is often missed- Van, the eastern city that has some of the most beautiful and extraordinary cats you will ever encounter. Yes, we are talking about Van Cats who are the royalty of cats in Turkey!

Why Should You See Van Cats?

So, how do you get to Van and make sure you see these amazing creatures? Van Cats are also known for their quite unusual colors including white, Pegasus horse and even these eyes which are in aberrant sybils – amber, blue and most of all in both colour! These mixed eye colors had earned them mythical status and we absolutely understand why. It’s like they are peering directly into your very being. And these breed of cats also have very very unusual traits in that they are fascinated with swimming which is rare in most cats. According to the historians, when Noah’s Ark touched land on mount Ararat, these cats swam to land from the ark, which is not very far from Van. Great, right?

The Van Cats are more than just a pretty face, though. They’ve got a rich history that’s deeply intertwined with the region’s culture. Locals see them as a symbol of purity and good fortune, and they’re treated with the respect you’d expect for royalty. If you’re an animal lover or just someone who enjoys diving deep into the cultural roots of a place, visiting Van to see these cats is a must.

How to Visit Van and Meet the Cats?

What is the procedure for reaching Van and ensuring you meet these wonderful animals in person? First off, Van is somewhat off the beaten path. You can take a flight to Van from Istanbul which takes about two hours, or if you are up for a little bit of adventure you can take a bus ride across turkey which is quite scenic (but long). You will thank us mug with a smile as the author expects this makes sense – even the bus rides are fun if you like watching how the scenery changes from metropolitan areas to the mountains slowly.

Inside Van, the Van Cat Research Center which is situated on the premises of the Van University Yüzüncü Yıl is the most famous place to encounter the cats. Its mission is to save the breed and there as well are quite a few of those astonishing cats. It is also accessible to the public, and the people who work there, are very nice and love to talk about Van Cats. However, it would be wise to keep in mind the visiting times.

On the other hand, if you prefer to observe them in their more natural surroundings, luck may favour you as you explore even the town itself. Van cats may often be seen basking in the sun or exploring their surroundings; often they are located by Lake Van where they enjoy swimming.

Tips for Your Visit

Select a Suitable Time for Your Visit: If possible, target your visit to either of the spring months or early in autumn when the weather is fair. Winters in Van can get quite cold, and if you miss these action-packed scenes in summer, all the images of hunkered down cats may leave you disappointed.

Learn from the Locals: Van residents hold a lot of value for these cats and therefore, approaching them, the cats, should be done respectfully. Only take photos when given the go ahead as too frequent flash may annoy these curious, but calm cats.

Make the Most of Your Trip: When in Van do not forget to visit other attractions such as Akdamar island with its old church, Muradiye waterfall. Any traveler exploring the region will find plenty of places to go, as the region is rich in culture and natural wonders, which are more than just another travel agent booklet.

It is like living in a magical world where one dominantly lives with the beautiful Van Cats in their picturesque lakeside beauty, without the hustle and bustle of the outside world. If you are a cat lover or simply want to know more about the rich culture of Turkey, the city of Van gives you the opportunity of having great memories that are indeed flawless in their kind.

So, in that case, if you are planning a quest towards Turkey, don’t forget to let yourself detour for Van. It might be a bit out of the way, but trust us—one look into those mesmerizing eyes, and you’ll be glad you made the trip.