Many viewers were captivated after the bronze sculpture depicted Tombili, a chubby cat who inspired countless internet memes.
A beloved cat statue in Istanbul has returned after going missing earlier this week.
The bronze sculpture honors Tombili, a well-known feline who became famous for his relaxed pose on the pavement. The statue was stolen just a month after its unveiling, prompting a social media outcry.
Tombili’s popularity stems from his relaxed pose
On social media, Tombili became a star after a viral photo of him lounging went online.
On the Tombili fanpage, a viral picture captured a moment showing Tombili and his status, immortalized with a statue.
The picture shows the bronze sculpture of Tombili, a plump cat who became an internet sensation. He gained fame after a photo of him lounging on the pavement went viral.
This statue pays tribute to one of Istanbul’s most beloved feline resident.
Bronze sculpture of Tombili was stolen after gaining viral fame on social media
The local council confirmed on Twitter that the statue had been stolen, expressing sadness with a crying cat emoji.
“According to the report, the statue that immortalizes Tombili’s famous pose disappeared just a month after its unveiling.
On social media, many viewers expressed their anger about the incident.
Numerous users questioned the motives behind the theft.
Even foreign diplomats voiced their concerns. The Russian embassy in Ankara expressed its dismay about the statue’s fate.
One person said: This is so lovely to remember tombili well done I would like to see her in real life.
A second wrote: Tombili. ..R.I.P
While a third commented: This cat already achieved more in life than I have…
Another added: All cat should have their own statue, they are AWESOME
The statue was returned after the theft
After a few days of turmoil, the statue reappeared. On Thursday, sculptor Seval Sahin shared a photo with the statue.
She thanked the public and the media for their support, which helped bring about this happy ending.
She also acknowledged the press and TV coverage that contributed to this happy outcome.
Tombili’s Legacy after his death
Tombili passed away in August but left a lasting impact on the local community. A Change.org petition calling for a memorial in Istanbul’s Kadikoy district gathered over 17,000 signatures.
The cat was known for his relaxed lounging style, which endeared him to locals. Although it’s unclear if Tombili had a permanent home, many residents ensured he received plenty of food and affection.
Tombili’s charm captured the hearts of people beyond Turkey.
His laid-back pose became iconic after being shared on social media.
He became the embodiment of a carefree kitty, with many photos taken by passersby celebrating his unique style.
Sadly, his rise to fame coincided with his declining health. After falling ill, Tombili passed away in August. A makeshift memorial was soon placed at his favorite spot.
A note read, “You will live in our hearts. Mascot of our street, beloved Tombili lost his struggle for life.”
A petition was launched in memory of Tombili
The simple flyer wasn’t enough for those who loved him. After Tombili’s death, a petition was launched to create a statue in his memory.
The plan was approved, and soon, the beloved cat was immortalized in bronze.
Though the official unveiling is set for Tuesday, Tombili’s memorial is already attracting attention. It continues to bring joy to the community and has even drawn the interest of other local animals.
R.I.P. Tombili. Your spirit will always be cherished.
