Since 2026 there now approximately over 150.000 cats recorded in Istanbul. Perched on top of poles, ledges and storefronts, through harsh winters and drying summers these felines are incredibly tough, especially compared to their counterparts at home.

 

They are looked after by store owners, old neighbourhood aunties and uncles or any kind hearted person out for a walk. They add softness to the busy but unattended concrete streets of Istanbul. 

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In the winters the street crawlers tuck themselves into a car hood, carton boxes they find by the garbage or into apartment entrances. In summers they prefer to lay in the shade of trees and balconies, as well as cold marble surfaces.