Nicknamed "The Boulder" for its habit of lying motionless for hours in the same spot, the dog is unfazed by crowds, doesn't bark, and barely moves. Yet, The Boulder's chosen napping place has become a magnet for thousands of tourists eager to snap a photo.
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The dog lies in front of an ice cream shop in Istanbul. Photo: Instagram/@theboulderistanbul. |
The dog lies in front of an ice cream shop in Istanbul. Photo: Instagram/@theboulderistanbul.
Google Maps now lists "The Boulder" as a specific location. Many reviewers describe their encounter with the dog as "life-changing," and travel blogs include it on their lists of must-see Istanbul destinations. With an average rating of 4.9 stars and nearly 300 reviews, The Boulder currently outranks iconic landmarks like the Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, and the Bosphorus.
Every day, the dog curls up on the sidewalk along a busy route between the Galata Tower and the Museum of Illusions. Tourists find this spot through word of mouth, blog posts, or short videos on social media. Local tour guides have added The Boulder to their itineraries, encouraging visitors to "keep an eye out near the Sishane metro station" to avoid missing "Istanbul's most relaxed celebrity."
Some reviews describe encountering the dog as "unusual" and "unforgettable."
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Google Maps shows the dog's location with over 450 reviews and an average rating of 4.9 stars. Photo: Instagram/@theboulderistanbul. |
Google Maps shows the dog's location with over 450 reviews and an average rating of 4.9 stars. Photo: Instagram/@theboulderistanbul.
Videos of the sleeping dog have garnered millions of views on social media platforms. The Boulder even has its own fan page on Instagram. Some tourists say they added this location to their itinerary before arriving in Istanbul.
Locals regularly leave food and water near the dog's resting place. They also caution visitors against touching the dog to avoid any unexpected reactions. Some one-star reviews complain that the dog is sometimes absent from its usual spot or has its back turned, preventing them from getting the desired photo.
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Tourists check in with The Boulder near the metro station. Photo: Instagram/@theboulderistanbul. |
Tourists check in with The Boulder near the metro station. Photo: Instagram/@theboulderistanbul.
City officials have not yet commented on the phenomenon. Some suggest that a stray dog becoming a top attraction reflects a shift in tourism trends, moving away from historical sites towards more personal and unexpected experiences.
Tuan Anh (Türkiye Today)
