Van Cats: Beloved Tourist Attraction in Türkiye
Van cats, with their unique features of one blue and one amber-colored eye, have captured the hearts of visitors in the city of Van, located in eastern Türkiye.
The Van Cat Villa: A Hub for Van Cats
Mehmet Atar Bayır, the supervisor at the Van Cat Villa, reported that in 2024, the center welcomed around 200,000 visitors, both local and international.
Pure White Fur and Different Eye Colors
Van cats, known for their striking appearance with different eye colors and pure white fur, are carefully looked after at the Van Cat Villa on the Van Yüzüncü Yıl University (YYÜ) campus.
Preserving the Genetic Characteristics
These charming cats not only greet guests with their unique personalities but also play a crucial role in preserving the genetic, morphological, and physiological traits of the Van cat breed.
Decades of Research at Van Cat Research Center
Since its establishment in 1992, the Van Cat Research Center has been conducting extensive and detailed research to ensure the continuity of the Van cat breed.
Contribution to Local Tourism
The Van Cat Villa is not only a sanctuary for Van cats but also a significant contributor to local tourism, attracting visitors throughout the year.
Visitor Statistics in 2024
In 2024, the Van Cat Villa hosted a total of 200,000 visitors, including 100,000 locals, 70,000 students, and 30,000 tourists from various parts of the world.
Words from Bayır
Bayır emphasized the increasing interest in the world-famous Van cats, with a rising number of both local and international tourists visiting the center each year.
Admiration from Visitors
One visitor, Ümmühan Deniz, shared her admiration for the Van cats during her visit to the Van Cat Villa, expressing how much she and her family enjoyed interacting with these beautiful felines.
