Queen of Hagia Sophia: Gli …

It could be a cat. However, you cannot call it "here kitty kitty". Because she's Gli. She is a queen … Queen of Hagia Sophia. You can only say "here Gli Gli" to call her. Our animal friends have a special place in us. We love them very much. Gli, however, has a slightly different position. Although she is not with us right now, we would like to share some beauties about her life with you.…

Gli said "hello" to the world in 2004 in Hagia Sophia with an unbelievable amiability and she died at the age of 16 due to old age in the veterinary clinic where she was treated in Istanbul on Saturday, November 7, 2020.  Compared to human age, she lived exactly 81 years. Gli was the most mediatic of her mother Sofia's 3 kitties.  She had a sister and a brother named “Kızım (My Daughter)” and “Pati”.

The most important feature that distinguishes Gli from other cats was that she did not go out of Hagia Sophia from the day he was born until her death. Gli, who liked to have her photograph taken, was also the center of attention of tourists. Gli, the queen of Hagia Sophia, greeted and bid farewell to 3.5 million people a year at that holy place. Of course, tourists were introducing it to the whole world. It had become a symbol of Hagia Sophia. She even has an Instagram account of her own. Although she could not use it herself, those who loved her carried her humble life to social media. The title of the most photographed cat in the world also belongs to Gli.

By the way, did you know that Gli's name is actually "Gri (Grey)"? Defne Bali, the Deputy Museum Director at the time, jokingly changed her name to Gli when they realized that Gli had squint.  They said, "It can't be “Gri”, this sweet thing must be called Gli". And this sweet and cute name emerged.

When you look at Gli, you can understand that she is a very different cat with her stance, gaze and swaying gait. It's like she's carrying a piece of queens inside her. She showed this clearly with her nobility and image.

Although your leave saddens everyone, we cannot say "goodbye" to you, Gli... That's why we wrote this article to keep you alive and commemorate. We commemorate you with your sweet lustful eyes and your lovely warm side.

You are always with us.

And this post was for you.

So long Gli…