In the bustling city of Istanbul, a stray dog named Boji has gained celebrity status thanks to his unique adventures, traversing the city on ferries, trams, and metro trains. Boji’s extraordinary adventures captured the public’s attention months ago, leaving local authorities amazed by his ingenuity.
Alvin Erol, Chief Customer Relations Officer at Istanbul Metro, marveled at Boji’s abilities, stating, “He knows where to go. He knows where to get off.”
Boji’s daily journeys cover an impressive distance, with estimates suggesting he travels up to 30 kilometers, or approximately 18.6 miles, per day. He navigates through numerous metro stations and makes at least two ferry crossings.
Chris McGrath, a photographer with Getty Images who spent a day following Boji around the city, described the dog as a “free spirit” with an irresistible need to travel on public transport. Pedestrians and travelers often snap photos and selfies with Boji, sharing them on social media, where he now has his own Twitter and Instagram accounts with tens of thousands of followers.
Boji has become a beloved member of the community, recognized and appreciated by many. His growing fame has even led to moments where protective locals intervene on his behalf, defending him from anyone who may harm him.
The city’s residents have taken on the role of guardians for Boji, ensuring his well-being. Recently, they provided him with grooming and a comprehensive medical examination, including a behavioral study to ensure his interactions with humans and other animals are positive. A small kennel has been installed for Boji at one of the Metro stations, where he is fed every time he returns.
The city’s personnel closely monitor Boji’s activities using a smartphone application, working with McGrath to document his daily travels. Boji has a strange ability to find train doors with precision and can even anticipate when a train is about to arrive. He’s known for being persistent; when passengers disembark, he tries to board.
When Boji boards a ferry, he instinctively chooses the side of the boat that will receive the most sunlight, demonstrating his preference for aquatic journeys. He even enjoys the vibrations of the ferry when it sets sail and often barks at the waves.
While he encounters several stray cats on his journeys, Boji is not a fan of them. Istanbul is known for its abundance of cats, earning the city the nickname “Catstanbul,” and Boji has been observed chasing them away.
Given the widespread presence of stray animals in Istanbul, Boji easily finds food. Many restaurants and homes discreetly provide water and food bowls for animals, something Boji seems to know.
The municipality plans to install informative signs about Boji in the transport system to guide people on how to interact with him, although, as McGrath says, “he doesn’t listen to anyone.” Boji’s energetic independence is what makes him unique, and he simply dedicates himself to doing what makes him happy: exploring the city and traveling on his own terms.