© hagiasophiacat on Instagram via hagiasofiaturkey.com
Vocabulary:
- undergo /uhn-der-GOH/
[verb] – to experience something that is unpleasant or something that involves a change
Paul had to undergo surgery to remove his ruptured appendix.
- orthodox /AWR-thuh-doks/
[adjective] – (of beliefs, ideas, or activities) considered traditional, normal, and acceptable by most people
He came from a family of orthodox Jews.
- relic /REL-ik/
[noun] – an object, tradition, or system from the past that continues to exist
The relic was kept inside a glass container at the center of the museum.
- momentous /moh-MEN-tuhs/
[adjective] – very important because of effects on future events
The birth of their son is a momentous occasion for their family.
- pop up /POP-uhp/
[phrasal verb] – to appear or happen, especially suddenly or unexpectedly
Rumors about the group’s disbandment began to pop up on social media.
Built in the 6th century, Turkey’s Hagia Sophia has undergone several changes. It was originally constructed as an orthodox basilica, then turned into an imperial mosque, and now, the museum that it is today. Throughout the years, the edifice has been home to various religions, cultures, and relics. But this monument in the heart of Istanbul also serves as a home to a famous cat named Gli, who has captured the hearts of many tourists and locals alike.
Gli is one of the several felines residing in Hagia Sophia. She is a gray tabby cat with green crossed eyes. Gli rose to fame when her pictures with world leaders Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan and U.S. President Barack Obama petting her made it to the headlines in 2009.
A tour guide named Umut Bahceci made an Instagram account dedicated to Gli’s daily life at the museum. The description on her bio reads: “My land is Hagia Sophia. I’m a celebrity cat. They call me Union of Love. You can tag my beautiful pics.” It has over 80,000 followers and 600 posts as of July 2020. Tourists enjoy taking their pictures with Gli and tagging her on Instagram. “I started noticing Gli every time I went (to Hagia Sophia) because Gli was posing for people like a model. I get messages such as, ‘Gli, we will come to Istanbul to see you.’ This is truly a very nice feeling”, Umut recounts messages from visitors.
But just recently, Turkey Prime Minister Erdogan ordered to classify the museum back into a mosque. While this is momentous for people looking forward to pray in a historic building, this decision left people wondering if Gli and the rest of the cats could still reside in Hagia Sophia. Since then, questions continued to pop up in local newspapers and social media. Will Gli have to leave her home?
Thankfully, Presidential Spokesman Ibrahim Kalin told the media that all the cats in the area need not to move out. “That cat has become very famous, and there are others who haven’t become that famous yet. That cat will be there, and all cats are welcome to our mosques”, Kalin stated. Gli and the rest of the felines can continue to live in Hagia Sophia where they were born. Her fans will surely be delighted!
Comprehension Questions:
- What were the changes that the Hagia Sophia went through before it became a museum?
- Why did Gli become popular?
- What is written on Gli’s Instagram account bio?
- Why did the people worry about Gli?
- Did the Turkish government allow the cats to stay in Hagia Sophia or not?
Discussion Questions:
- Do you think Gli helps in boosting Hagia Sophia’s tourism? Why or why not?
- Do you agree or disagree with the president’s decision to keep Gli and the rest of the cats in Hagia Sophia? Why?
- In your opinion, why do pets go viral on social media?
- Are you a cat person or a dog person? Please tell me more.
- Which country would you like to visit in the future? Why?
[verb] – to experience something that is unpleasant or something that involves a change
Paul had to undergo surgery to remove his ruptured appendix.
[adjective] – (of beliefs, ideas, or activities) considered traditional, normal, and acceptable by most people
He came from a family of orthodox Jews.
[noun] – an object, tradition, or system from the past that continues to exist
The relic was kept inside a glass container at the center of the museum.
[adjective] – very important because of effects on future events
The birth of their son is a momentous occasion for their family.
[phrasal verb] – to appear or happen, especially suddenly or unexpectedly
Rumors about the group’s disbandment began to pop up on social media.
Gli is one of the several felines residing in Hagia Sophia. She is a gray tabby cat with green crossed eyes. Gli rose to fame when her pictures with world leaders Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan and U.S. President Barack Obama petting her made it to the headlines in 2009.
A tour guide named Umut Bahceci made an Instagram account dedicated to Gli’s daily life at the museum. The description on her bio reads: “My land is Hagia Sophia. I’m a celebrity cat. They call me Union of Love. You can tag my beautiful pics.” It has over 80,000 followers and 600 posts as of July 2020. Tourists enjoy taking their pictures with Gli and tagging her on Instagram. “I started noticing Gli every time I went (to Hagia Sophia) because Gli was posing for people like a model. I get messages such as, ‘Gli, we will come to Istanbul to see you.’ This is truly a very nice feeling”, Umut recounts messages from visitors.
But just recently, Turkey Prime Minister Erdogan ordered to classify the museum back into a mosque. While this is momentous for people looking forward to pray in a historic building, this decision left people wondering if Gli and the rest of the cats could still reside in Hagia Sophia. Since then, questions continued to pop up in local newspapers and social media. Will Gli have to leave her home?
Thankfully, Presidential Spokesman Ibrahim Kalin told the media that all the cats in the area need not to move out. “That cat has become very famous, and there are others who haven’t become that famous yet. That cat will be there, and all cats are welcome to our mosques”, Kalin stated. Gli and the rest of the felines can continue to live in Hagia Sophia where they were born. Her fans will surely be delighted!