Shop Owner Welcomes Stray Animals Daily for Meat Scraps

At first, no one could have guessed how much meaning would grow from such a simple encounter. A small, hungry cat stepped cautiously into a busy meat shop, her eyes filled with curiosity and need. She rose onto her back legs, steadying herself as she looked longingly at the fresh meat on the counter. There was no sound, no demand, only quiet hope in her posture. That brief moment revealed a life shaped by hunger and survival, and it stirred something deeply human. What followed was not just an act of feeding, but the beginning of trust, connection, and a story rooted in compassion.

Ikram Korkmazer, a 51-year-old businessman with a deep compassion for animals, has always noticed the stray cats and dogs wandering the streets near his meat shop. He knows how hard it is for them to survive, especially when food is scarce. Rather than turning away, he made it a habit to share leftover meat with animals that crossed his path.

One day, a thin cat wandered into his shop, her movements cautious but hopeful. She climbed onto the counter and stared at the meat with unmistakable longing. Moved by her hunger, Korkmazer handed her a few scraps. The cat ate eagerly, her tension easing with every bite. In that moment, an unspoken trust was formed.

She soon returned. Again and again. Each visit came with the same routine. Standing on two legs, she would peer over the counter, patiently asking for food. Over time, Korkmazer named her Yesim, and she became part of the daily rhythm of the shop. She even began bringing her kitten along, as if she knew this was a place of safety.

A Legacy of Love and Care

Yesim had clear preferences and personality. She loved beef and favored organs such as the spleen, heart, and kidneys. She visited five or six times a day, confident and comfortable in a space that once felt unfamiliar. The shop was no longer just a business. It was her refuge.

When Yesim eventually passed away, her absence was deeply felt. Yet her story did not end there. Her kitten continued visiting the shop, keeping the routine alive. To honor the cat who started it all, Korkmazer renamed his business Yesim Meat Gallery, ensuring her memory would live on.

Today, the shop is known for more than quality meat. It has become a haven for stray animals. Each day, Korkmazer and his team feed seven to eight cats and eight to ten dogs with leftover meat. The animals wait calmly, tails wagging or eyes watching with trust, knowing they will not be forgotten.

Korkmazer began sharing videos of these moments on Instagram and TikTok. The clips show animals eating peacefully, no fear in their movements. His kindness resonated across the internet, earning him thousands of followers. Many were touched by the simplicity of his actions and the quiet dignity he offers the animals.

Despite occasional criticism, Korkmazer remains focused on compassion. His family and colleagues now help with feeding, turning a personal act of kindness into a shared mission. For him, it is about setting an example and showing that care can change lives, even in the smallest ways.

What began with one hungry cat standing on two legs has grown into a symbol of empathy, proving that kindness leaves a lasting mark on both animals and people alike.

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