About City of Istanbul Website

Hello and welcome to City of Istanbul – a place where I share the stories, history, neighborhoods, hidden corners, cycling, and everyday life of the city I have called home for more than three decades.

My name is Ozgur Nevres. I’m a software developer by profession and a science enthusiast by nature. I came to Istanbul in 1992 to study Computer Engineering at Istanbul Technical University (ITU). As many students do, I imagined I might move away after graduation – but this city has a way of holding onto you. I started working here soon after finishing university, built my life here, and I never moved away (except for short holidays). Istanbul became more than a place; it became home.

Alongside my love for technology and learning, I am deeply passionate about animals. For years, I have been rescuing, feeding, treating, and caring for stray cats and dogs in Istanbul – especially in and around the Belgrad Forest and Bahçeköy area, where many of them live under our protection. Some are abandoned, some injured, some hungry… all deserving of safety and compassion.

This website is not just a blog – it is also part of my mission.
🌿 All income from this site goes directly to the stray animals I care for.

If you enjoy the articles, photography, and stories here, and if you want to help a cat or a dog get food, medicine, or a warm shelter, you can support me:

👉 Patreon – [Click here]
👉 Buy Me A Coffee – (Not for coffee, but for food for the animals!)

Your support, even the smallest contribution, makes a meaningful difference. With every patron, I can feed more strays, cover medical treatments, and continue building a safe haven for them in the forest.

Thank you for being here, for reading, and for caring.
I hope this blog inspires you to explore Istanbul with curiosity and love, just as I do.

My cat rescue efforts were also featured in:

Özgür Nevres with a rescue puppy in Istanbul Bahçeköy
Özgür Nevres with a rescue puppy in Istanbul, Bahçeköy
Cat sanctuary
Some of the cats in our sanctuary near Belgrad Forest in Istanbul. Some were abandoned by their previous owners, and most were sick and hungry. Now, they find solace here.
Is it safe to pet stray cats in Istanbul? Some of the stray cats I care for.
Some of the stray cats I care for.
Just a few of the many stray dogs I care for.
Just a few of the many stray dogs I care for.
After a hearty meal, our beloved cats gather around the cast iron stove, soaking in its warmth on a chilly day.
Cozy moments: After a hearty meal, our beloved cats gather around the cast-iron stove, soaking in its warmth on a chilly day. This cozy corner is their sanctuary, a place of comfort and companionship. Your support helps us provide food, warmth, and care for these furry friends who depend on us every day. Join our Patreon community and be part of this heartwarming mission to give stray cats a safe and loving haven.