At first glance, the sharp hiss of a "pis pis" and the rhythmic drone of a "süpürge" seem like background noise. However, they are the auditory anchors of the Turkish home, each serving as a bridge between the human and the non-human worlds. 1. The Language of Connection: "Pis Pis"
Together, these sounds create a portrait of life that is lived loudly and with care. They remind us that a home is not just a place of silence, but a place of constant, meaningful vibration—where we call out to the wild (the cat) and soothe the new (the baby) through the simple power of sound.
The "süpürge" (vacuum cleaner) represents the labor of the home. Interestingly, in recent years, the "süpürge sesi" has taken on a new life as "white noise" for infants.
In Turkish culture, the concepts of (the "psst-psst" sound used to call cats) and "Süpürge Sesi" (the sound of a vacuum cleaner or broom) represent a unique intersection of domestic life, nostalgia, and psychological comfort. The Symphony of Domesticity: An Essay
The "pis pis" is a sound of (looking for the cat), while the "süpürge" is a sound of settling (cleaning the space). Yet, they often clash. Ask any cat owner, and they will tell you that the "pis pis" brings the cat to you, while the "süpürge" sends them flying under the nearest sofa.
