A French author has written a novel that explores the historical context of a 1910 project in Constantinople aimed at removing the city's thousands of stray dogs. The story is set during the rule of the Young Turks and follows Paul Remlinger, an ex-laboratory assistant of Louis Pasteur, who arrives in Constantinople in 1901 to direct an anti-rabies institute. The mission is described as impossible due to the lack of support from a corrupt imperial administration. By 1910, the setting has not changed much, but a new era has begun with the Young Turks in power, leading to a city official initiative to clear the city of its approximately hundred thousand stray dogs, which were seen as making the city dirty and inhospitable. The Young Turks were a group of reformists who came to power in the Ottoman Empire in 1908, aiming to modernize the country and introduce more democratic principles. Their rise marked a significant shift in governance, but many challenges remained, including outdated infrastructure and public health issues. The novel uses this historical backdrop to examine the tensions between progress and tradition, as well as the often-futile efforts of individuals trying to enact change in a bureaucratic and resistant environment. The story blends historical elements with fiction, creating a narrative that is both informative and engaging. It portrays Constantinople, now known as Istanbul, as a city caught between its past and the uncertain future. The author uses the character of Paul Remlinger to explore the complexities of scientific ambition and the limitations imposed by political and social structures. His work in the anti-rabies institute becomes a metaphor for the broader struggle to bring about meaningful change. The novel also delves into the lives of the city’s residents, particularly those affected by the stray dog population. These animals were not just a public health concern but also a symbol of the city's neglect and decay. The attempt to remove them highlights the broader issues of urban development, sanitation, and the treatment of marginalized groups. Through its rich historical detail and compelling characters, the novel offers a unique perspective on a little-known episode in the history of the Ottoman Empire.