Special Thanks (Istanbul Edition):
Burçin Kimmet of Robinson Crusoe 389 – for being the first to welcome this project with such
openness, and for providing a level of confidence we needed more than you likely realized.
Petek Tokuz of Minoa – for seeing the heart of the project so quickly and so graciously hosting
a “Meet the Artist” event in the beautiful world of Minoa Pera, making our time with you a sheer joy.
Ahmet Boratav of Ege Yayınları/Zero Books – for believing in this story and for your stewardship
in navigating the details that made this Istanbul edition possible at all.
Zeynep Kazmaz and Toycan Dikbayır of Print Center – for your patience and craftsmanship throughout.
Your true partnership brings this edition to life.
Last but not least, Rustem B. of @cathunter. app – for capturing the spirit of Istanbul’s street cats
in ways that echoed through our own storytelling.
And Ari Alpert – your graffiti cats invite themselves into this book more than we could have imagined.
Our Heartfelt Thanks Also to:
Fatih DaÄŸlı of Cat Museum Istanbul – for sending the Istanbul cat energy to our artist
as she finished the drawings; for showing us around the museum and inviting us to imagine its future;
and for all the brainstorming. Thank you for believing in us — and in this project.
Meral Olcay of Yedikule Animal Shelter – for walking us through the shelter that day
and showing us what true care for the city’s abandoned animals looks like. The reality opened
our eyes, broke our hearts, but left us with deep admiration for those who took action.
Hilary Sable of Cihangir Cool for Cats – for the serendipity of your street cat feeding, timed
so perfectly with our random neighborhood stroll. Fate clearly had a plan. Thank you for the laughter,
the rescue stories, and for helping this book find its way back to the Cihangir streets that inspired it.
Özgür Nevres, the software engineer who built a backyard sanctuary in Bahçeköy for street cats –
for your insight, compassion, and friendship. Thank you for making time for two strangers
who came asking about neighborhood cats.
Ä°kram Töre, ErdoÄŸan Aydemir, Anna Ezdiari, and Stephen Glick for your interest and support;
and last but not least, Karl Mautner for your help, encouragement, and love.
And to all the cats of Istanbul who led us here – thank you for letting us follow.
