Meet Boji: Istanbul’s Legendary Road‑Runner
Picture this: a bustling ferry in Istanbul, the bridge between Europe and Asia humming with commuters, and one weary passenger who’s actually been through the entire city on a single window seat. That’s Boji – a stray golden‑brown mutt who has managed to turn every ferry, bus, and metro ride into his personal promenade.
Why Everyone’s Talking About a Street Dog
- Everyday hero: Boji’s been ditching the streets to hop on the public transport schedule every weekday, sometimes covering 30 kilometres in one go.
- Metro‑maven: He’s a regular at over 29 metro stations a day. The city’s got a culture of “welcome back, buddy,” and Boji is no exception.
- Weekend getaway: On one cozy Saturday, he even made a trip to the Princes’ Islands – literally taking a sea‑break while the city kept rolling on.
- Recognised with a microchip: Istanbul’s transport officers track his routes to keep him safe and, well, to know how many chills he’ll get.
What Makes Boji Special
With his shiny coat, deep brown eyes and those distinctly floppy ears, Boji’s charm has spread across the city in the last two months. His faithful follower, a commuter who always has an eye on him, claims that the dog’s small lap‑size body has turned the entire metro line into an amusement park whenever Boji walks by.
It isn’t just a funny oddity – it’s a sweet reminder that in the frenetic rush of Istanbul, a stray with a wagging tail can bring unexpected joy to everyone who passes by.
Meet Boji, the Strasbourg‑style Street Dog of Istanbul
In the bustling Kadikoy district of Istanbul, a canine regular has become a beloved fixture on 36‑hour public transit days. Boji, the slobbery superhero who hangs out on ferries, buses, metros, and trams, was caught sprawled across a tram seat on October 5, 2021. (Photo courtesy of Reuters.)
How He Became a Transit Legend
- Smart Route Finder – Boji’s tracking collar shows a love for historic tram routes and a frequent subway commute.
- Rule‑Based Rover – He waits for passengers to disembark before jumping aboard, proving he respects the “no dogs on trains” rule in a very casual way.
- Mid‑Carriage Mover – Boji prefers the pantheon of the middle car (“boji” in Turkish), which is where he feels most at home.
Aylin Erol on Boji’s Purpose
Aylin Erol, a Metro Istanbul employee, describes the dog as “like he has a purpose.” She says:
“We noticed a dog using our metros and trains, and he knows exactly where to go. He knows when to get out. It’s almost like he has a built‑in GPS.”
Why Istanbulites Love Him
- Color in the Commute – Boji brings a splash of happiness to 1.3 million daily commuters.
- Social Media Star – Instagram and other platforms are full of selfies with Boji, earning him over 50,000 followers.
- Catch‑the‑Moment Muse – “You hop on the train, see Boji laying there, just smile and capture the moment,” Erol says. He adds that Boji reminds us to pause and enjoy Istanbul, even while rushing.
What to Do If You Spot Boji
- Give a friendly grin and maybe a pat; it seems to make him feel loved.
- Snap a quick photo—your rides just got a lot more Instagrammable.
- Remember to keep a respectful distance; he may still be a stray.
For More Heart‑warming Stories
Ever wondered how a city can turn a stray into a tourist magnet? Keep up to date by exploring the many animals that share Istanbul’s vibrant streets. Boji’s tale is just one of many that proves life’s best companions come in the form of wagging tails and wagging loyalties.
