Ikram Korkmazer, the 51-year-old owner of Yeşim Meat Gallery, has a unique and heartwarming policy: all stray animals that visit his butcher shop receive meat scraps. Known for his deep affection for both dogs and cats, Korkmazer has garnered a significant online following and become a beloved figure among the local stray community.
The shop’s name, Yeşim Meat Gallery, honors the first stray cat he fed, Yeşim. This special bond began when Yeşim started frequenting the shop, standing on her hind legs to ask for her favorite meat scraps, such as spleen, heart, and kidney.
A Tradition of Kindness
Yeşim’s visits became a routine, and she even brought her kitten along. After Yeşim passed away, other local strays continued the tradition, with dogs eagerly lining up outside the shop for their daily treats. Korkmazer faithfully gathers leftovers, places them in a dish, and sets it outside, often petting the strays as they eat.
Social Media Sensation
Korkmazer’s kind acts have been widely shared on social media, where he posts videos of the animals he feeds, attracting thousands of followers on Instagram and TikTok. Despite occasional criticism for feeding strays, he remains dedicated to his mission.
A Community Effort
Raised in Turgutlu in the Manisa province of Turkey, Korkmazer was taught to value kindness. Today, his commitment has inspired his coworkers, family, and even some customers to join in supporting the stray animals. Korkmazer proudly promotes Turkey as a country that respects and loves all animals, regardless of their circumstances.
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