City Cats of Istanbul

This stunning photobook delves into the lives of the thousands of cats that live on the streets of Istanbul. The photographs show the unique personalities of these street cats, each with its own story and charm. From lounging on cobblestones and shop fronts, to perching on colorful market stalls, the cats appear in a variety of urban settings, offering a glimpse into the vibrant spirit and culture of Istanbul and its local inhabitants. The book explores how the feral cats of Istanbul are represented in various media, with social media, notably TikTok and Instagram, a particular medium through which Istanbul’s cats have gained widespread popularity. The historical and contemporary cultural significance of cats in Turkish society is presented in essays by the photographer Marcel Heijnen, haiku by Ian Row, and even first-person accounts written from the perspectives of the cats themselves—all interwoven with Heijnen’s beautiful photography.

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