Last Updated on 19 August 2025 by Vanessa
When I heard Marcel Heijnen was releasing a new photo book, I was more than a little excited. His previous titles, Shop Cats of Hong Kong and Shop Cats of China, are among my all-time favorites—and I own just about every travel-related cat book out there. This time, however, Marcel Heijnen tackles the city cats of Istanbul.
I spoke with him about the inspiration behind the book, his collaboration with the Cat Museum Istanbul, his unique approach to cat photography, and much more.
Even better—he’s sharing a generous selection of photos with all of you.
So grab your cat, get comfortable, and dive into what’s sure to be one of 2025’s standout books.
City Cats of Istanbul by Marcel Heijnen
The city cats of Istanbul are among the most beloved in the world. Much of their fame comes from Ceyda Torun’s acclaimed documentary Kedi, which introduced global audiences to the city’s free-roaming felines. Over the years, I’ve written a lot about these cats, including their appearances in Turkish literature and film, their tendency to lounge across ancient ruins and sacred spaces, and their deep cultural significance in Turkey.
Now, photographer Marcel Heijnen offers a fresh perspective with his latest photo book, City Cats of Istanbul, published by Thames & Hudson. This collection stands apart from other projects about the topic thanks to Marcel Heijnen’s distinctive visual style and thoughtful approach.
Marcel Heijnen does not simply photograph every cat he sees. He spends hours, sometimes even days, walking through the city until he finds the perfect scene. He pays close attention to composition, often looking for clean lines and a strong sense of symmetry. Sharpness is essential in his work, allowing viewers to notice subtle details in both the foreground and background.
Humor also plays a key role in his photography. Marcel Heijnen captures strange poses, curious expressions, and unexpected sleeping spots that give each image its own personality. These playful moments turn the book into something more than just a visual document. They create a sense of story and spontaneity.
And, of course, it’s hard to resist the “find-the-cat” photos—the images with hidden feline friends. This makes flipping through the pages sometimes a surprisingly interactive experience.
City Cats of Istanbul is a beautiful gift for anyone who loves cats, photography, or travel. His work has a timeless quality that appeals to more than just cat lovers. It is the kind of book that brings joy every time you open it.
Interview with photographer Marcel Heijnen
How did the idea for City Cats of Istanbul come about?
Since I created the Shop Cats of Hong Kong and Shop Cats of China books in 2016 and 2021, people often asked me, “Have you been to Istanbul yet?”
It’s a well-known fact that Istanbul has a lot of cats, and, of course, I saw the wonderful documentary Kedi back in 2016. But I didn’t have a concrete idea for a book at the time.
In 2023, I spent a few days in Istanbul and took some photos of the cats there. But even then, I wasn’t thinking about making a book. Maybe I assumed a volume like that already existed. But it turned out it didn’t. In early 2025, I pitched the idea for a photo book to my publisher, Thames & Hudson, and they were immediately on board.
Do you live in Istanbul now? How much time did you spend there for this project?
I live in Amsterdam and made two trips to Istanbul last year for this project. Altogether, I spent about a month there. During those trips, I was fully focused on the series and managed to shoot enough material for the book.
How did the collaboration with Cat Museum Istanbul start?
I reached out to Fatih Dağlı, the founder, by email. When I was in Istanbul, we met multiple times and immediately hit it off. I asked him to write the foreword for the book, and of course, the museum is the perfect place to launch the book on September 20. We’re planning an exhibition with 20 to 30 prints from the series, which will hopefully stay up for quite a while. I think it’s a really strong and promising collaboration.
What kinds of places did you focus on in Istanbul?
My goal is always to capture the essence of the city itself, and that includes its many layers. So I photographed in the bazaars and mosques, but also in newer parts of the city, places that reflect modern life—a shop, a train station—and especially moments of interaction between cats and Istanbul residents. Cats are everywhere in the city. I didn’t notice that one neighborhood had significantly more cats than another.
Are Istanbul’s cats different from those in Hong Kong or China?
A big difference is that in Istanbul, cats are truly everywhere and part of daily life. In Hong Kong and the rest of China, cats are usually found in specific shops—typically older ones—where they serve a practical purpose like keeping mice away.
There’s also a huge difference in numbers. Istanbul has hundreds of thousands of cats integrated into the streetscape, whereas in Hong Kong, there are probably only a few thousand, mostly found in specific neighborhoods and shops.
What gear do you use for these photos?
I use a Sony A7, usually with a 24–70mm lens, and sometimes a 35mm prime lens. Simple, light, and compact. I don’t use any other tools or techniques.
Do you have favorite photos in the book?
Definitely the photos of Madame Caki, the cat in the Blue Mosque. She’s a beautiful cat with a sweet personality, and the setting—inside that stunning mosque—was just perfect. I spent hours there on multiple occasions.
Which cities interest you for a future book?
I haven’t decided yet. Some people suggest Marrakech, and cities in Indonesia are also full of cats. That could be an option too.
Final thoughts
Did Marcel Heijnen’s photos of the city cats of Istanbul pique your interest?
If so, the paperback will officially launch on September 20, 2025, at Cat Museum Istanbul. Marcel Heijnen will be present to sign books, and there will be an exhibition of his feline photography as well.
However, you can already pre-order the City Cats of Istanbul paperback from Amazon.
Also, don’t keep this photographer to yourself. Share this article and his new book with your fellow cat-loving friends on social media, and follow Marcel Heijnen on Instagram @chinesewhiskers.
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City cats of Istanbul pictures courtesy of Marcel Heijnen.
4 responses
I love the cat on the scooter. It’s amazing how universal cats are when you consider how unique animals are to each continent.
Incredible cat photos here–the one in the scooter is probably my favorite. We’ve seen so many cats on our travels around the Mediterranean and the Adriatic. Always a fun addition to our adventures.
Aw these are wonderful photos! I particularly love the cat on the motorbike. It’s interesting how cats are viewed differently in different places, plus I’m going to Istanbul soon, so if I can I will definitely visit the cat museum!
Is the book being sold to raise funds for the cats? Lovely photos of the cats.
Thanks for joining in with #pocolo