Istanbul – famous for its bustling markets, unique architecture, and vibrant culture, there is one more feature of this Mediterranean capital that deserves a share of the spotlight, and that is the street cats. Largely considered to be part of the community, inhabiting busy squares, shops, train stations, and mosques, these free-roaming felines belong to no one and everyone, with much of their needs being met by the community at large. However, there are several charities dedicated to providing healthcare and neutering services to the inhabitants of “Catstanbul”, without whom disease, injury, and overpopulation could easily tip the balance from peaceful cohabitation to a public health crisis.
Capturing the unique spirit and lives of Istanbul’s street cats has been a long-standing passion for Sami Uçan. The 43-year-old map engineer moved to the Turkish capital in 2011, and within a year, he had embarked on a photographic journey that would lead to the publication of his book ‘Kedi’ (cat in Turkish) in 2018, and more recently, a collaboration with Hoxton Mini Press for their “Cat” book in 2025.
Uçan’s images have also been featured in calendars published by various animal welfare organizations as a charitable contribution.
“Istanbul’s cats are an integral part of the city’s identity. I have been documenting their lives on the streets for over a decade. I take great pride in supporting the protection of street animals through my photography,” says Uçan. “It is always a pleasure to see these feline stories resonate with international audiences.”
Seeing firsthand the beauty of the relationship between Istanbul and her cats, Uçan is well aware of the vital role that animal welfare organizations play. Organizations such as Yedikule Hayvan Barınağı (Yedikule Animal Shelter).
“[Yedikule Animal Shelter] is a volunteer-driven sanctuary in Istanbul that provides care for thousands of animals, and their mission aligns perfectly with the spirit of my project.”
With hundreds of images in his collection to choose from, we asked Uçan to share some of his favorite images with us, and now we can share them with you!
All Images by Sami Uçan
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