Pierre Loti Hill: An Incredible View of Istanbul

Pierre Loti Hill is one of the most iconic and picturesque spots in Istanbul, located in the Eyüp neighborhood, north of the famous Eyüp Sultan Mosque. This hill offers a stunning view of the Golden Horn, the bay that connects the Bosphorus with the Sea of Marmara. Its beauty and tranquil atmosphere make it a perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city.

The hill’s name comes from the French writer Pierre Loti, who lived in Istanbul for a while and was inspired by the city to write some of his works, such as Le Roman de la rose, Aziyadé, and Les Désenchantées. The hill has maintained an air of peace and serenity, making it ideal for enjoying the natural beauty.

This is a place rich in literary and historical significance, and the hill is an excellent destination for those looking to enjoy a relaxing experience surrounded by nature, with a breathtaking view.

 

Who Was Pierre Loti?

(Louis Marie Julien Viaud; Rochefort, 1850 – Hendaye, 1923) A French writer, Pierre Loti was known for his distinctive romanticism based on the experiences he gathered from his numerous travels. He vehemently opposed naturalism. Born into a modest family, he nurtured a childhood ambition to become a sailor. In 1867, he began a career as an officer that lasted over forty years, retiring as a naval captain after serving in World War I.

In 1872, midway through his first world tour, during a four-day stay on Easter Island, he sent his sister the material for a three-part report, with drawings and text taken from his diary, which, from 1866 to 1918, would fuel much of his literary work. The articles were published in L’Illustration. His first novel, Aziyadé (1879), set in Constantinople, went unnoticed, but the following year, he achieved great success with The Wedding of Loti, drawn from his diary of his 1872 stay in Tahiti, where he took the name “Loti,” meaning “rose” in Tahitian. Léo Delibes was inspired by The Wedding of Loti for his opera Lakmé (1883).

His third book, The Novel of an Espahî (1881), was the first signed under the name Pierre Loti. Other notable works include My Brother Yves (1883), Fisherman of Iceland (1886), his greatest success; The Novel of a Child (1890), which influenced Marcel Proust; and Matelot (1892). Ramuncho (1897) is set in the Basque Country, Madame Chrysantheme (1887) is set in Japan, and Fantôme d’Orient (1892) and Les Désenchantées (1906) are set in Turkey. In 1891, Loti was elected to the French Academy.

 

Pierre Loti’s Life in Turkey

Pierre Loti spent about two and a half years in Turkey over several periods. He first arrived in Istanbul in 1876 and visited the city seven more times in the following years, drawn by Ottoman culture and the city itself. During his time there, Loti developed an emotional and literary connection, which is reflected in his writings.

The most famous novels he wrote while in Istanbul were Aziyadé (1879), a novel based on his love for a young Ottoman woman, and Les Désenchantées (The Disenchanted). He wrote this latter novel in 1906 aboard the ship of the French Consulate in Istanbul. The novel addresses the social situation of Ottoman women.

Pierre Loti often visited the hill during his stays in Istanbul. He would generally sit in a café and enjoy the panoramic views of the Golden Horn and the city, all within an inspiring atmosphere. It is said that he even wrote here.

Due to this and his love for this corner of Istanbul, over time the hill and the café itself became popularly known as Pierre Loti. Eventually, this name was officially adopted in his honor.

Interestingly, the hill was once called İdris Köşkü Tepesi (Hill of Idris Mansion). Historically, the hill was named after İdris-i Bitlisî, an important Ottoman scholar and historian from the 15th and 16th centuries. It is believed that he had a residence or significant place on this hill before Pierre Loti’s name became associated with it.

 

Why is the Hill Named After Him?

Perhaps you, dear reader, may wonder what reasons there are for a hill to be named after a person. Well, it’s not just that Pierre Loti visited it frequently—there’s also a deeper reason. Here are some of the considerations that made Loti a beloved figure in Turkey.

Through his writings, Pierre Loti presented a romantic and fascinating vision of Turkey, helping to build an image of Ottoman culture in Europe during his time. Although his vision was westernized and, at times, idealized, his works sparked curiosity and admiration for Turkish culture in the Western world.

Loti wasn’t just a frequent visitor to Istanbul; he also spent considerable time in the country, where he became deeply immersed in Turkish life. In his writings, he expressed great respect and admiration for Ottoman society.

Despite the political tensions of the time, he showed genuine appreciation for the city and its people.

During the late Ottoman Empire, in Pierre Loti’s time, there was a constant struggle to preserve Turkish identity and culture in the face of European imperial pressures. The Turks saw in Loti a figure who, despite being a foreigner, showed a genuine interest and respect for their culture—something that was highly valued at a time when European influences were widespread.

Loti was deeply loved by many in the Turkish public, not just for his love of Istanbul, but also for the way he portrayed the city in his works. His literature helped to shape a different perception of the Turkish people in Europe, and his feelings toward Istanbul were reciprocated by many Turks.

In conclusion, Pierre Loti was a “cultural bridge” between the East and the West. The Turks, in recognition of his affection and appreciation for Ottoman culture and his influence on literature, decided to honor him by naming this beautiful spot in Istanbul after him. The fact that such a picturesque and significant site carries his name is a testament to the impact he had on the perception of Turkey in Europe and his deep love for the city.

Did you know that Pierre Loti received a letter from the Grand National Assembly of Turkey (TBMM) in recognition of his admiration and respect for Turkey and its culture? The letter was sent in 1919, after World War I, a time when Turkey was undergoing significant changes, particularly with the collapse of the Ottoman Empire and the Turkish War of Independence.

 

Places to Visit on Pierre Loti Hill

Today, at the top of the hill, you’ll find the Pierre Loti Café, which has more than 20,600 reviews on Google Maps, making it a famous spot that continues to attract both tourists and locals. The café has a terrace that offers spectacular views of the Golden Horn and the city of Istanbul. It’s the perfect place to enjoy a cup of tea or coffee while soaking in the atmosphere, surrounded by the same view that captivated Loti.

Also in this area is a family restaurant called Pierre Loti Kokoreç, which has 360 reviews on Google Maps, with most giving positive feedback about the food and the helpfulness of the owner.

Pierre Loti Hill is also known for its cable car access, allowing visitors to comfortably ascend to the top while enjoying the ride and the panoramic views of the surroundings.

Pierre Loti has several other tourist attractions, such as İdris-i Bitlisi Sıbyan Mektebi, the Rayet Keşan Kalfa Fountain, the tomb of Mevlevi Iskender Dede, and the Wishing Well.

The first place is an Ottoman educational institution that was established in cities and towns across the empire. The institute’s name comes from the important Ottoman historian İdris-i Bitlisi, who served as a military judge during the reign of Sultan Selim I.

The Rayet Keşan Kalfa Fountain dates back to 1868. It is named after one of Sultan Abdulaziz’s concubines, who reconstructed it. The second place, believed to have been built by İdris-i Bitlisi in the 16th century, was originally known as the İdris Fountain. Over time, it fell into disrepair and was repaired in 1868 by Rayet Keşan Kalfa. The fountain features classical Ottoman style, with carved stone and a large water reservoir, though it no longer has an inscription.

The tomb of Iskender Dede, a Mevlevi who died in 1589, is located in a garden once filled with plane trees and cypress trees. Today, the tomb is one of the oldest structures in the Pierre Loti area and marks the presence of the Mevlevi order at this important Istanbul viewpoint. In the past, a zaviye (a type of small dervish monastery) existed in the garden, but it is now lost to time. In front of Iskender Dede’s tomb are two wells. One is known as the famous Wishing Well (Niyet Kuyusu).