Meet Boji: Istanbul’s Public Transport Pro and Heartwarming Celebrity
In Istanbul, there’s a very special commuter who’s winning hearts daily. Meet Boji, a clever stray dog with a knack for navigating the city’s public transport system like a pro. Trams, metros, buses—you name it, Boji’s on board. And what’s even more amazing? He seems to know exactly where he’s headed every time.
Two months ago, Aylin Erol, head of customer relations at Metro Istanbul, first noticed this extraordinary pup. The team observed Boji calmly boarding and exiting various vehicles, always at the right stops. Curious, they began following him to learn more about his daily routine.
What they discovered was nothing short of remarkable. Boji sticks to a fascinating pattern, traveling across the city as if he has a personal itinerary. The Metro team even took him to a vet for a checkup, where he received a microchip for tracking before being sent on his way. Now, they keep tabs on him regularly—and his journeys have made him a local celebrity.
Spotting Boji is a treat for passengers. You’ll often catch him darting onto a train or bus, sometimes pausing for a nap. If you’re lucky, he might even pose for a selfie! And don’t think this pup ignores travel etiquette—he knows all the rules. Boji patiently waits for passengers to exit before stepping on board, finds his spot quietly, and never causes a fuss.
On an average day, Boji travels around 18 miles and visits up to 29 stations. For him, the bustling public transport system is home. For everyone else, his presence brings a little extra joy to their commute.
Next time you’re in Istanbul, keep an eye out for this four-legged traveler. Who knows? He might just brighten your day, too. Wouldn’t it be amazing if more cities had a Boji?
