Animal rights in Turkey from the Ottoman Empire to the Republic: Animal Protection Sociaty

Throughout history, animals have not only been an inseparable part of human life but have also assumed significant social, cultural, religious, and communal roles. Particularly street animals such as dogs and cats have found a place within the social structures of various societies since antiquity, carrying different meanings. In Turkish culture, the dog emerged as a creature symbolizing loyalty, often kept at the entrances of tents as a protector, while the cat held a special place within households due both to its endearing nature and its role in pest control. Even during periods in Europe when cats were long associated with witchcraft and subjected to violence, Turkish societies continued to protect and integrate them into daily life. In the Ottoman era, compassion for animals transcended individual conscience and took on an institutional framework through foundations, charity, and a culture of benevolence. Water vessels placed in mosque courtyards, food left in the streets, and shelters for animals were manifestations of this ethos. However, beginning in the late 19th century, under the influence of modernization and Westernization policies, street animals began to be perceived as a threat to urban order, leading to profound changes. The Hayırsızada incident, in particular, left a deep scar on the conscience of Ottoman society; the mass deportation and subsequent deaths of numerous dogs caused widespread public outcry. Following this event, in 1912, the Istanbul Society for the Protection of Animals (İstanbul Himaye-i Hayvanat Cemiyeti) was established under the leadership of members of Robert College, marking the first institutional initiative for the protection of animal rights in the Ottoman Empire. Yet, due to the conditions of war, its activities were short-lived, coming to an end in 1914. In the Republican period, this understanding was restructured with the founding of the Society for the Protection of Animals in Turkey (Türkiye Hayvanları Koruma Cemiyeti) in 1924, thereby placing animal rights on an institutional footing. The emphasis placed on animal welfare at the İzmir Economic Congress further demonstrated that the new state did not disregard this issue within its broader development ideals. This thesis examines the transformation of social, legal, and institutional approaches toward street animals from the Ottoman Empire to the Republican era. Through an analysis of the establishment and activities of the Himaye-i Hayvanat and the Society for the Protection of Animals in Turkey, it explores how animal rights gradually became a matter of public concern. Drawing on primary sources such as archives, newspapers, travelogues, and memoirs, the study evaluates societal attitudes toward animals, legal frameworks, and the effects of modernization. In doing so, it reveals the transition from a traditional ethic of compassion to institutionalization and its impact on society.