Vol. 9,500
Sunny on marble

★ All the mews fit to print ★

The Ephesus Mews

Reporting from the ruins of Ephesus since 7500 BC · Selçuk · İzmir · Türkiye 🇹🇷

Read the Mews in:
No. 200 cats
Zero mice
★ Exclusive · Special Cat Issue ★

Cats Still Running Ephesus,
9,500 Years On

Marble thrones occupied · library fully guarded · tourists thoroughly supervised — a special report from the ancient city, by local Ephesus tour guide Hasan Gülday

By Hasan Gülday, Editor-in-Chief & Licensed Guide in Ephesus

Every year millions of travelers walk the marble streets of Ephesus to see the Library of Celsus, the Great Theatre and the Temple of Artemis. And every single one of them ends up photographing something the guidebooks barely mention: the cats of Ephesus.

They doze on 2,000-year-old column capitals, patrol Curetes Street like tiny centurions, and pose in front of the Celsus Library better than any influencer. They are not just adorable — they are the living continuation of a story that began when humans and cats first became friends, right here in Anatolia.

This newspaper is my long answer to the question every guest asks me mid-tour: "Hasan, forget the emperors — what's the deal with all these cats?" It began as a short field report in my travel journal — and grew whiskers. Read on, era by era. 🐾

Continued on the History Pages → p.4
Two cats of Ephesus having breakfast on carved marble blocks in front of the Library of Celsus in Ephesus, Turkey "We have no comment
at this time."
Above: Management takes breakfast at the Library of Celsus. Photo: The Ephesus Mews archive
Page 2 Editorial Cartoon
z Z Z

"The morning committee convenes at the Library of Celsus." — staff cartoonist, on duty since 450 BC

Page 3 From the Editor's Desk
PRESS 🐾 Licensed Tour Guide in Ephesus

Merhaba! Meet the Human
Behind the Mews

I'm Hasan Gülday — Editor-in-Chief, Treat Distributor, and a licensed Ephesus tour guide born and raised in Selçuk, the town right beside the ruins. I've spent my life walking these marble streets: first as a curious kid, now as a professional guide in Ephesus showing travelers the greatest ancient city of the Mediterranean.

I'm also a proud cat owner — which explains both this newspaper and the fur on my jacket. My family and I live a few minutes from the site, and the cats of Ephesus treat me as their personal door-opener, snack courier and public relations officer.

If you're planning a trip to Türkiye and want to book a tour guide for Ephesus — someone who can tell you about emperors, goddesses and introduce you to Kleopatra, Marcus Pawrelius and the whole furry crew by name — you know where to find me. And if your travels reach beyond Ephesus, I'd be honored to be your guide all around Turkey.

📖 Book a Tour Guide for Ephesus 🇹🇷 Guiding All Around Turkey

The editor's other publications

Hasan Gülday, Ephesus tour guide and creator of ephesuscats.com, at home with his family and their tabby cat
The editorial board: my family & the boss 🐾
Ephesus tour guide Hasan Gülday with his family in front of the Library of Celsus in Ephesus
Field trip to headquarters — the Library of Celsus
Page 3½ The Sunday Portrait Gallery

Distinguished Citizens, Painted in Light

Tall portraits for tall egos — the noble profiles of Ephesus, one dignified whisker at a time.

Pages 4–6 The History Pages · A Chronological Cat-Venture

9,500 Years of Whiskers & Marble

From the first tamed wildcats of Anatolia to today's Instagram royalty — the history of Ephesus, as lived by its smallest, softest citizens.

c. 7500 BC · Neolithic

Farmer Meets Cat; Arrangement Described as "Permanent"

From Our Neolithic Correspondent

Long before pyramids or palaces, the first farmers of Anatolia stored grain — and grain attracted mice, and mice attracted the African wildcat. On nearby Cyprus, archaeologists found a 9,500-year-old grave of a human buried lovingly beside a cat: the oldest evidence of cat–human friendship on Earth, and it happened in this very corner of the world.

Editor's paw noteCats basically invented the job interview: "I eat your mice, you give me a warm spot." Contract still valid today.
Tabby cat sunbathing belly-up between ancient marble blocks in Ephesus
At home on Anatolian stone for nine millennia

c. 1000 – 130 BC · Greek Era

Cats Arrive by Boat, Declare Harbor "Adequate"

From the Temple of Artemis Desk

Greek settlers founded Ephesus around 3,000 years ago, and its harbor soon buzzed with ships from Egypt and Phoenicia — ships that carried grain, and with the grain, cats. The Greeks called them ailouros, "the one with the waving tail." While the city built the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, the cats quietly took over the granaries and the docks.

They even had a divine connection: in Greek myth, when the gods fled to Egypt, Artemis herself took the form of a cat. In the city of Artemis, cats were practically family.

Editor's paw noteEphesian kittens still practice reading the Greek inscriptions. Progress: slow but adorable.
Two ginger and white kittens playing on an ancient marble block with Greek inscriptions in Ephesus
Homework time on a real Greek inscription

129 BC – 300 AD · Roman Era

Marble Metropolis: Cats Promoted to Library Security

From the Imperial Affairs Desk

Under Rome, Ephesus became the capital of the province of Asia — a marble metropolis of over 200,000 people, with the Library of Celsus holding 12,000 scrolls. Guess who was in charge of protecting all that paper and grain from mice? Exactly.

Romans loved cats: they were the companions of the goddess of Liberty, mascots of the legions, and honored guests in wealthy homes like the Terrace Houses — the ones with heated marble floors. Two thousand years later, the cats of Ephesus still refuse to accept that the underfloor heating has been switched off.

Editor's paw noteA cat posing beside the winged goddess Nike? That's not an accident. That's branding.
Cat sitting on a rock in front of the Nike goddess relief in Ephesus
Quality control at the Nike relief

300 – 1300 AD · Byzantine Era

Empire Changes, Cats Stay: "Someone Has to Watch the Place"

From the Manuscript Protection Bureau

Ephesus became one of the great cities of early Christianity — one of the Seven Churches of Revelation ("the church that left its first love"), home of the Council of Ephesus in 431 AD and the magnificent Basilica of St. John. In monasteries across the Byzantine world, monks kept cats for a sacred duty: guarding precious hand-copied manuscripts from hungry mice.

Slowly, the harbor silted up, the sea retreated, and the great city grew quiet. The emperors left, the merchants left, the crowds left. The cats read the room… and stayed. Someone had to keep an eye on the place.

Editor's paw noteByzantine brickwork: excellent claw-sharpening texture. Five stars, would scratch again.
White cat sitting on Byzantine-era brick wall next to marble in Ephesus
Inspecting the Byzantine masonry

1300 – 1900s · Seljuk & Ottoman Era

Cats Achieve Honored-Guest Status; Confidence at All-Time High

From the İsa Bey Mosque Desk

When the Seljuk Turks built the beautiful İsa Bey Mosque below the castle of Selçuk in 1375, cats gained an even higher status. In Islamic tradition cats are cherished as clean, gentle creatures — the Prophet Muhammad was famously fond of his cat Muezza. Cats wandered freely into mosques, markets and homes.

The Ottomans turned cat care into a public duty: fountains, food, even charitable foundations for street animals. That tradition is exactly why Turkish street cats today — from Istanbul's Grand Bazaar to the ruins of Ephesus — behave less like strays and more like landlords. Its most famous modern heir was Gli, the beloved cat of Hagia Sophia, who greeted millions in Istanbul.

Editor's paw note600 years of being told "you're a good kitty" leaves a certain confidence in a cat's walk.
Street cat stretching beside a carpet loom outside the Grand Bazaar of Istanbul
Quality-testing a loom, Grand Bazaar style

Today · The Age of the Camera

The Real Owners of Ephesus Pose for 10 Million Photos

From the Tourism & Naps Desk

Today around 200 cats live in the ancient city — fed by groundskeepers, checked by vets, adored by visitors from every continent. They greet the sunrise from the Great Theatre, hold morning meetings on Curetes Street, and conduct nap-based inspections of every column capital in the city. (They share the skyline, by the way, with the equally famous storks of Ephesus.)

Ask any guide in Ephesus: the cats are not living in the ruins. The ruins are standing in their garden. And honestly? After 3,000 years of loyal service, they've earned it.

Editor's paw noteFeeding time is the only moment in Ephesus when the cats voluntarily form a queue. Almost.
A dozen cats of Ephesus eating together along the colonnade steps at feeding time
The 8 a.m. staff meeting
Weekend Panorama Supplement
Panorama of Curetes Street in Ephesus with a cat lounging on a marble column watching the visitors

"Yes, the Library is that way. No, I will not be getting up." — Management

Page 8 Classifieds · Staff Directory

Meet the Cats

Every cat in Ephesus has a territory, a title and a very strong opinion. A selection from this week's classified advertisements:

For hire · Ref. EPH-001

Calico cat posing in front of the Library of Celsus in Ephesus

Kleopatra 👑

Queen of the Library

Named after a real royal guest who wintered in Ephesus. Has photobombed roughly one million photos at the Celsus Library. Zero regrets, zero missed angles.

For hire · Ref. EPH-002

Famous ginger cat of Ephesus sitting on marble before the Library of Celsus

Marcus Pawrelius 🏛️

The Stoic Philosopher

"You have power over your mind, not over the feeding schedule." Studied under Heraclitus of Ephesus (allegedly). Meditates daily on a marble ledge facing the Library.

For hire · Ref. EPH-003

Black and white cat with a mustache marking in Selçuk near Ephesus

Efes Chaplin 🎩

The Comedian

Born with a perfect mustache and a flawless sense of timing. Performs daily on the road to the ruins. Tips accepted in chin scratches.

For hire · Ref. EPH-004

Funny white cat sitting upright like a human on the marble steps of Ephesus

Zen Master Pamuk 🧘

Chief Yoga Instructor

Teaches the ancient art of sitting like a tired human. Classes at sunrise on the marble steps. Bring your own mat; he has marble.

For hire · Ref. EPH-005

Cat of Ephesus lifting its paw as if waving hello at the camera

Bes the Greeter 👋

Official Welcome Committee

Distributes high-fives at the entrance since kittenhood. Current record: 47 high-fives in one tour group. Aiming for 50.

For hire · Ref. EPH-006

Ginger and white cat in profile sitting before the Great Theatre of Ephesus

The Theatre Critic 🎭

Great Theatre, Front Row

Has attended every performance since Roman times (reincarnation is a strong tradition here). Verdict so far: "needs more fish."

For hire · Ref. EPH-008

Ginger kitten peeking out of a gap in an ancient stone wall in Ephesus

The Intern 🐣

Wall Patrol, Trainee

Recently hired. Still learning which columns are load-bearing and which ones are for scratching. Enthusiasm: 11/10.

Page 8½ The Sports Pages

Athletics, Acrobatics & Competitive Napping

Live coverage from the marble arena — leaps, stretches and photo finishes, 2,000 years after the original games.

— Advertisement —

Seen the cats? Now meet their city!

Hire a Tour Guide for Ephesus

Walk the ancient city with a licensed guide in Ephesus — Hasan Gülday: the Library of Celsus, the Great Theatre, the Terrace Houses, the Temple of Artemis… and every cat along the way, introduced by name.

Hire your guide — theephesus.com toursaroundturkey.com
Cat introductions
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Page 9 Public Notices

How to Visit the Cats (Politely)

The cats of Ephesus receive guests daily, sunrise to sunset. Official notices from their (unofficial) secretary:

Notice №1🌅

Come early or late

Right after opening or in the late afternoon: golden light for photos, cooler marble, and maximum cat activity. Check the live Ephesus weather before you set out.

Notice №2🤲

Let them choose

Crouch down, offer a hand to sniff, and wait. Ephesus cats are friendly — but the cuddle starts on their schedule, not yours.

Notice №3🥫

Proper food only

If you want to treat them, bring real cat food. No bread, chips or sandwich leftovers — even if those eyes say otherwise.

Notice №4💧

Water is gold

In summer, topping up the water bowls around the site is the kindest thing any visitor can do. The cats (silently) thank you.

Notice №5🐣

Spring = kittens

Visit in April–June and you may witness kittens learning to climb 2,000-year-old columns. Productivity of tour groups drops to zero.

Notice №6🐾

Hire a guide in Ephesus

Want emperors, goddesses AND whiskers? Book your Ephesus tour guide here — cat introductions included free of charge.

Page 9½ The Weather Desk · Selçuk / Ephesus

The Official Napping Forecast

Today and the whole week ahead, measured at whisker height in the ancient city. Humans wanting more detail may consult the editor's live Ephesus weather page.

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Live data for Selçuk / Ephesus · Napping Index certified by the resident cats 🐾 · Chance of cats: 100%, all week, every week

Archive The Photo Morgue · Documented Napping

Caught on Camera

From the newspaper's archive. Click any photo to enlarge — all of them purr in real life.

Tabby and calico cat sharing scraps on ancient marble blocks in Ephesus
Lunch negotiations
Cat resting on top of a carved marble relief pedestal in Ephesus
Living statue, on duty
Cat loafing comfortably on an Ionic column capital in Ephesus
The original bread loaf
Calico cat perched on an inscribed marble architrave block in Ephesus
Reading the classics
White cat with tabby patches sitting on a marble ledge along Curetes Street
Ledge of honor
White and brown cat sleeping peacefully on curved marble in Ephesus
Do not disturb: dreaming of the Roman Empire
Calico cat sitting near the Library of Celsus in Ephesus, Turkey
Library card holder
Cat photographed at the Library of Celsus in Ephesus, Turkey
Guardian of 12,000 scrolls
Cat walking through the ancient ruins of Ephesus in Turkey
Commuting, Ephesus style
Cat sitting on ancient column ruins in Ephesus
Column quality: approved
Cat of Ephesus resting on the ancient ruins in Turkey
Landlord of lot 14
Ginger cat among the ancient ruins of Ephesus in Turkey
Marble matches my fur
Cat perched high on an ancient column in Ephesus
Management, elevated
Tabby cat wandering the Ephesus archaeological site
Site inspector, badge pending
Tabby cat beside an ancient Greek column in Ephesus
Doric? Ionic? Napponic.
White cat walking through the ruins of Ephesus
Fresh snow? No — fresh cat
Cat peeking over a broken column drum between two fluted columns in Ephesus
Peek-a-boo, imperial edition
Cat sitting on a stone against a deep blue sky in Ephesus
Blue sky thinking
Cat sitting beside a lamp on the wooden walkway in Ephesus
Lamplighter's assistant
Close-up profile portrait of an Ephesus cat in golden light
Portrait of a professional
Cat sitting on a carved sarcophagus in dramatic backlight in Ephesus
Dramatic lighting: mastered
Cat at the ruins of Ephesus in Turkey
Just another Tuesday at the office
Five cats resting on carved Corinthian capitals in Ephesus
Full board meeting — all members present
Fluffy ginger cat yawning in front of the Library of Celsus in Ephesus
Opinion on Monday mornings: recorded
Tabby cat resting on an Ionic capital at golden hour in Ephesus
Golden hour, golden fur
Ginger and white cat resting on a marble ledge in Ephesus with an ancient facade behind
Front-row seat, permanently reserved
Cat lounging on the volute of a fallen Ionic capital in Ephesus
The original chaise longue
Black and white cat sitting before an inscribed marble block in Ephesus
Bilingual: Ancient Greek and Meow
Tabby cat sleeping on the scroll of an Ionic capital in Ephesus
Scroll position: saved
Ginger kitten walking on marble past ancient inscriptions in Ephesus
First day of school
Cat sunbathing with closed eyes in front of a stone wall in Ephesus
Solar charging: 87%
Calico cat napping on top of a stone pillar in Ephesus
Executive suite, top floor
Fluffy ginger and white cat sitting on marble beside the theatre walls of Ephesus
The Odeon's fluffiest season-ticket holder
Close-up of a tabby and white cat with the Library of Celsus blurred behind in Ephesus
Depth of field: mastered
Tabby and white cat sitting upright on a marble block in Ephesus
Reception desk, always staffed
Cat sleeping draped over a marble block on the hillside of Ephesus
Battery: 2%
Ginger cat lounging with eyes closed among the ruins of Ephesus
Do not schedule meetings before noon
Close-up of a tabby cat sleeping on a carved marble capital in Ephesus
Marble pillow — five stars
Calico cat seen from behind looking out over the ruins of Ephesus
Surveying the estate
Tabby cat looking up beside a fluted column against a blue sky in Ephesus
Skyward thinking
Ginger cat sitting on an inscribed marble slab in the agora of Ephesus
Reading the fine print
Tabby cat lounging on the edge of a marble block in Ephesus
One paw off, maximum style
Ginger and white cat sitting before the Library of Celsus in Ephesus
The guardian, on duty
White and tabby cat posing on rocks before the Library of Celsus as visitors pass by
Ignoring the paparazzi
Calico cat resting on a carved Corinthian capital in Ephesus
Acanthus leaves + cat = complete
Page 10 Letters to the Editor

Curious Humans Ask

Real questions from real readers, answered by the editor (and reviewed by the cats).

How many cats live in Ephesus?

Around 150–200 cats live inside and around the archaeological site, depending on the season. They're fed and looked after by site staff, security guards, local tour guides and visiting cat lovers from all over the world. — The Editor 🐾

Are the cats of Ephesus friendly?

Very! They've grown up with millions of visitors, so most are remarkably relaxed. Approach slowly, let the cat sniff your hand first — and remember, the cat decides when the cuddle session begins and ends. — The Editor 🐾

Who takes care of the Ephesus cats?

Everyone, together — that's the Turkish way. Groundskeepers and guards put out food and water, local vets check on their health, and every guide in Ephesus carries a few treats. Many cats are healthier than my houseplants. — The Editor 🐾

Can I feed or pet the cats?

Petting: yes, if the cat approaches. Feeding: only proper cat food, please — no human snacks. In hot months, refilling a water bowl is the best gift you can give. — The Editor 🐾

Why are there so many cats in Turkey?

Cats have lived alongside Anatolian people for over 9,000 years. Ancient grain ships brought them to port cities like Ephesus, Islamic tradition honored them, and Ottoman charity institutions even funded their care. Centuries of kindness produce very confident cats. — The Editor 🐾

When is the best time to see the cats?

Early morning right after the gates open, or late afternoon before closing. Cooler stones, golden light, active cats. In spring you might meet the newest generation of kittens. — The Editor 🐾

Can I book a tour guide for Ephesus who knows the cats?

You can indeed. If you'd like to hire a tour guide for Ephesus who can show you the Library of Celsus, the Great Theatre and introduce the resident cats by name, that's literally my job — book your private guide in Ephesus at theephesus.com, or hire me as your guide anywhere in the country at toursaroundturkey.com. Cat introductions: free, forever. — The Editor 🐾

Are cats allowed to sit on the ancient artifacts?

Nobody has ever successfully explained rules to a cat. They've napped on this marble for two thousand years, and their soft paws do no harm — think of them as small, furry site inspectors with lifetime tenure. — The Editor 🐾

Back Page Syndicated Columns · Further Reading from the Editor's Other Desks

🏛️ theephesus.com

🇹🇷 toursaroundturkey.com

⛪ sevenchurchesofapocalypse.com