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In a city filled with centuries-old mosques, Roman-era cisterns, and grand palaces, an overweight, motionless dog napping near a metro station now ranks as Istanbul’s top-rated attraction.
Visitors from around the world seek out “The Boulder,” a stray dog who spends its days sleeping in the same shaded spot near the Sishane metro stop on the European side of the city.
It does not move much, does not bark, and does not welcome attention. Still, thousands of tourists have made it a point to visit it during their stay in Türkiye.
Google Maps lists "The Boulder" as a location. Reviewers describe the encounter as “life-changing,” and travel blogs now include him in guides to the city. With a 4.9-star rating and nearly 300 reviews, he sits above landmarks like Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, and the Bosphorus Strait.
"The Boulder" remains in the same place every day, curled up on a sidewalk along a popular route between Galata Tower and the Museum of Illusions. Tourists find him by accident or through word of mouth.
Some use social media maps to track him down. The Istanbul Tourist Pass now mentions him directly in its guide, encouraging visitors to “keep your eyes peeled close to the Sishane metro station” in case they pass by “Istanbul’s most laid-back celebrity.”
It does not engage with passersby. Instead, it lies still and waits for no one. That behavior earned it the nickname "The Boulder."
Tourists describe it using a range of emotional language. One review reads, “His elegance. His attractiveness. His chonk.” Another says, “You can't help but smile when you see him living his best life.”
The dog's fame has grown far beyond the sidewalk he calls home. A video of him posted on TikTok by the Daily Mail received over 1.6 million views. He now has an Instagram fan page. Foreign media have all featured it as a top destination in the city.
Explore writer Camila Perez Botero says, “Despite his humble beginnings as a regular street dog, 'The Boulder's' online popularity has exploded.” That popularity reflects not only fascination with the dog himself but also with the culture of Istanbul.
The city openly cares for stray animals, offering them food, shelter, and affection. While cats often draw more attention, "The Boulder" has created a new category of interest, one where a dog becomes a public figure without doing anything.
Some travelers arrive in Istanbul with him already on their itinerary. One Google review states, “In a world full of ordinary attractions, The Boulder stands out as an extraordinary experience.”
Locals refer to him as the “unofficial mayor of the street.” They often leave food and water nearby. Tourists, on the other hand, sometimes treat it like a monument. Many reviewers say the experience moved them emotionally.
Henry Minson left one of the most quoted reviews across platforms: “This experience was nothing short of a spiritual revelation ... The sheer size of its belly evoked deep feelings of passion and purpose.”
Another visitor, Jan Waligorski, described his impression in a widely cited statement: “Curled up on a bustling corner, he transforms the ordinary into the poetic, embodying a quiet resilience that whispers through the urban din. The Boulder’s tranquil spirit has woven itself into my life.”
This kind of language, usually reserved for cultural landmarks or natural wonders, now surrounds a dog. The comments rarely mention his actions, because there are none. What he offers is stillness in a city known for noise, crowds, and constant motion.
Most attractions in Istanbul require planning. Visitors need to book tours, wait in lines, and move through security checks.
"The Boulder" requires none of that. There are no tickets, admissions fees, or long queues and definitely no hurry when you are visiting this landmark. Still, not everyone leaves satisfied. A few one-star reviews complain that it was not in its usual spot or that it growled when touched. Locals often warn travelers to respect its space.
These warnings reflect a growing concern among local admirers. "The Boulder" does not exist for the pleasure of visitors and has not asked for fame or attention. Still, he receives both, and for now, he seems content to remain where he is, unless he is touched.
So, what does it mean when a sleeping dog ranks above palaces, ancient cisterns, and historic mosques? It may reflect a shift in how people travel and what they want to experience.
While traditional sightseeing still draws large crowds, others search for moments that feel personal and unexpected. For many, meeting The Boulder in real life and not from his Instagram account fits that need.
6 min read
