The Dutch creative returns with a new book exploring Istanbul’s symbiotic relationship with its cherished cats through evocative images, lyrical haiku, and centuries of history.
It was the natural next step. After photographing feline companions in Hong Kong and China, Dutch photographer Marcel Heijnen turned his lens to the cat capital of the world: Istanbul.
“I initially expected someone would’ve already done a photo book,” he says, “but there wasn’t one.” So began City Cats of Istanbul—a visual and poetic ode to a city where cats roam not as strays, but as deeply woven threads in its cultural fabric.
With evocative haikus by long-time collaborator Ian Row, the book invites us to view the ancient metropolis through a feline lens. The result? A deeply affectionate portrait of place, people, and the mysterious creatures that bridge the two.
From the outset, Heijnen was stunned by the number of cats in Istanbul. “You can’t walk for more than three minutes without seeing a cat. Or two. Or ten,” he says. But these aren’t strays in the traditional sense. Istanbul’s cats have a unique life—independent yet beloved, untamed yet universally cared for. “They’re hybrids,” Heijnen explains. “Not really ‘owned’ by anyone, but loved as if they were.”
His photography captures this strange, in-between existence, whether it’s a calico basking on the steps of a mosque, a tabby surveying a spice market, or a shop cat napping beneath Ottoman tiles. “They roam freely between sacred and mundane spaces,” he adds. “To me, they’re living symbols of Istanbul’s soul.”
Instead of chasing the perfect shot, though, Heijnen allowed the cats to take the lead. “You have to be fast and patient,” he explains. “Capture the moment, then hang back and see what unfolds.” Whether it’s a local chef slipping a bite to a nearby cat or a woman at the railway station offering a gentle pat, Heijnen looked for those quiet, affectionate interactions that might seem mundane but speak volumes.
One cat in particular captured his heart – Madame Caki, a feline who lives in a mosque and now graces the book’s cover. “She’s probably the one I spent the most time with,” he recalls. “Super friendly to visitors. I’d spend hours with her.”
As with his earlier books, City Cats of Istanbul strikes a balance between subject and setting with care: “It’s not just about the cat,” he says. “It’s about the city’s DNA.” Early sections highlight human-cat interactions, the middle focuses on portraits of the animals themselves, and the final chapter zooms out to show cats blending into Istanbul’s layered backdrop.
His favourite neighbourhoods for shooting? The colourful streets of Balat, the heritage-rich Sultanahmet, and the trendy vibes of Kadıköy. “Each area gave me something different. Together, they tell the full story.”
Cats have walked Istanbul’s streets for centuries—welcomed for pest control, protected by Ottoman society, and revered in Islamic teachings. Heijnen was acutely aware of this legacy. “The awareness made me look for moments of care between people and cats,” he says. In one striking image, Madame Caki sits beneath Arabic script meaning ‘God’—a scene rich in symbolism and humour, particularly from the feline perspective.
Modern Istanbul continues this legacy. Animal protection laws are in place, and even controversial proposals to remove stray animals have been rolled back in response to public affection, especially for cats.
Alongside Heijnen’s photographs are Ian Row’s haikus and musings. “Ian has this incredible ability to peer into a cat’s mind,” Heijnen says. “His haiku acts like a prism—you see the photo, read the haiku, and then return to the image with fresh eyes.” The duo has collaborated on all three books in the series, establishing a rhythm that has become a hallmark of their storytelling.
So, what does Heijnen hope readers take from City Cats of Istanbul? “That cities aren’t just for people,” he says. “That truly symbiotic relationships with animals can thrive. Istanbul really champions this notion.”
As for what’s next? “I’d love to do more,” he smiles. Until then, City Cats of Istanbul gives us an endearing take on a city where cats are companions, neighbours, and cultural icons. And as Heijnen encourages on the book’s final page—pause, slow down, and say: Hello, Kedi.
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