Last Updated on 19 August 2025 by Vanessa
If there’s one thing I instantly fell in love with in Istanbul, it’s the cats. Spend even a few hours in this city, and you’ll understand that they’re everywhere. Stretched out in the sun near the Hagia Sophia, confidently strutting through the Blue Mosque courtyard, or curled up in one of the many historical sites.
Istanbul isn’t just home to street cats; it celebrates them. These whiskered wanderers don’t just live among the people; they’ve quietly worked their way into stories, films, and hearts. From poetic novels to cinematic love letters, cats in literature and cinema reflect the magic, mystery, and everyday wonder of feline life in this city.
So, if you’re a cat person, here’s a look at how Istanbul’s cats have become unexpected stars in some of the city’s most beloved books and movies.
Cats in literature and cinema: Turkey’s literary and cinematic purr-sonalities
Istanbul cats in literature
In Turkey’s literary world, cats aren’t just background characters. They often steal the show. Writers and poets across the country have woven these mysterious little creatures into their stories, giving them symbolic meaning, human-like quirks, or starring roles that linger in your mind long after the last page.
So, if you’re curious, here are some of the most iconic Turkish novels where the cats of Istanbul play a starring role:
Kediler Güzel Uyanır by Yekta Kopan
This collection of micro-stories captures fleeting moments of everyday life, often through the eyes or presence of cats. Kopan masterfully uses feline characters to explore themes of solitude, connection, and the subtle beauty found in ordinary experiences.
Ne Kitapsız Ne Kedisiz by Bilge Karasu
This collection of essays delves into the intertwined nature of literature and cats in the author’s life. The title translates to “Neither Without Books Nor Without Cats” and underscores the author’s belief in the inseparability of reading and feline companionship. Cats are not merely pets here; they symbolize introspection, solitude, and the nuanced layers of human existence.
Göçmüş Kediler Bahçesi by Bilge Karasu
In this evocative collection of short stories, Karasu uses cats as metaphors for memory, loss, and the ephemeral nature of life.
Bir Kedi, Bir Adam, Bir Ölüm by Zülfü Livaneli
Set against the backdrop of political exile in Stockholm, this novel intertwines the lives of a Turkish man and a cat, both navigating the complexities of displacement and identity. The cat serves as a silent witness and companion, reflecting the protagonist’s inner turmoil and quest for meaning amidst chaos.
Madam Bravo: Sofitadaki Kedi by Bilal Sami Gökdemir
This is such a fun little gem. The story follows a clever cat who turns into a kind of accidental detective. As strange things start happening around the house, this whiskered sleuth starts piecing it all together—one paw at a time. It’s charming, a little quirky, and told with just the right mix of mystery and cat-like curiosity.
The Flea Palace by Elif Şafak
The novel The Flea Palace (1985) features a street cat named İncir (Fig), who plays a significant role in the narrative. The kitty symbolizes the interconnected lives of the residents of a crumbling apartment building in Istanbul.
Kedi ve Ölüm by Erhan Bener
A painter faces a terminal illness and finds himself deep in thought about life, death, and everything in between. Just when he’s at his most reflective, a stray cat wanders into his world. The cat is totally uninvited, but turns out to be exactly what he needs. It becomes a reminder of how life can still surprise us, even in the heaviest moments.
Gemileri Sayan Kedi by Vecdi Çıracıoğlu
A quiet, beautiful story about a lonely cat who spends its days watching ships drift in and out of the harbor. But it’s more than just a cat staring at boats—it’s a gentle, thoughtful look at longing, change, and the way time moves. Through this cat’s eyes, we get a peaceful, poetic glimpse of the world that somehow feels both simple and deep.
City Cats of Istanbul by Marcel Heijnen
If you’re more visually inclined, you may also want to check out the stunning photo book City Cats of Istanbul by Marcel Heijnen. The book captures the daily lives of Istanbul’s iconic street cats in atmospheric, beautifully composed images that highlight their unique bond with the people of the city.
Check out this selection of photos from the City Cats of Istanbul series and read my exclusive interview with Marcel Heijnen for more insight into his creative process and the stories behind the images.
Istanbul cats in cinema
There aren’t as many Turkish cat movies as there are books—but the few that do exist are absolute gems. From quirky animated adventures to heartwarming documentaries, these films capture the spirit of Istanbul’s street cats in the most charming and unexpected ways. Trust me, they’re well worth a watch (and maybe even a rewatch with tea and snacks).
Bad Cat aka Kötü Kedi Şerafettin (2016)
This adults-only animated film from Turkey is definitely not for kids, but it’s a lot of fun. Based on the popular Turkish comic strip, the movie follows Şerafettin, a street-smart, foul-mouthed cat who causes chaos wherever he goes. Set in the gritty, fast-paced streets of Istanbul, Bülent Üstün’s Bad Cat uses sharp humor and satire to poke fun at city life, human behavior, and social norms—all through the eyes of one seriously mischievous feline and a bunch of other animals.
Kedi (2016)
This critically acclaimed documentary directed by Ceyda Torun is a heartfelt tribute to the street cats of Istanbul. The film follows several cats as they wander through the city’s lively neighborhoods, forming unexpected bonds with the people they meet. With stunning, up-close footage, Kedi captures the unique personalities of each cat and shows how deeply they shape daily life in Istanbul. It’s a moving tribute to the quiet, powerful connection between the city and its feline residents.
What are your favorite cats in literature and cinema?
Which of these Turkish books and movies are you most excited to dive into? Have any favorite cat stories of your own? Drop a comment below, and let’s chat all things feline and Istanbul!
If this list gave you a bit of inspiration, feel free to share it on social media. You never know who else might be looking for their next cozy read or cat-filled movie night!
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