In some parts of the world, stray animals are nearly as beloved as pets. Thousands of dogs roam the streets of Cusco, Peru, for example, and cats pretty much rule the night in places like Athens, Valletta, and Japan’s “cat islands.” Local residents often feed and provide shelter for these roving colonies, and for Dutch photographer Marcel Heijnen, this human-animal connection provides endless opportunities to experience urban centers.
Previously exploring cities in China and Hong Kong, where street cats are abundant, Heijnen recently brought his camera to the largest city in Turkey to chronicle some of the most famous feral felines in Europe. A forthcoming book from Thames & Hudson, City Cats of Istanbul, celebrates the area’s local four-legged shop attendants, guardians, cuddlers, and consummate snoozers.
Heijnen captures the spirit of Istanbul through portraits of its residents, shops, homes, and serendipitous interactions. While some images focus on cats up-close, other images emphasize the city’s remarkable atmosphere and playfully invite us to seek out where felines are perched or playing. Many cats are documented in moments of calm repose, while others appear as though they’ve been caught red-handed, climbing up architectural elements or embracing all manner of archetypal kitty chaos.
See more of Heijnen’s photos on his website and Instagram, and pre-order your copy of City Cats of Istanbul on Bookshop. If you’re in Istanbul in September, stop by the release event at 6 p.m. on September 20 at the Cat Museum.
