Pierre Loti Hill, located northwest of Istanbul, serves as a relaxing vantage point with an unrivaled panoramic view of the Golden Horn. This exquisite location is not just a haven for tourists, but also a treasured getaway for individuals seeking to soak in the ethereal glory of a sunrise. As the first light of day falls on the city’s undulating skyline, the Golden Horn glows with an almost supernatural beauty, creating a spell on everyone who see it.

Aside from its stunning views, Pierre Loti Hill is a social and cultural hub, with a variety of attractive eateries and classic cafés located at its peak. On days when the sky is bright and the weather is pleasant, masses of visitors climb the hill, drawn by the appeal of Turkish coffee and the peaceful atmosphere. Here, among the gentle whispering of foliage and the occasional call of seabirds, one can enjoy a moment of tranquility against the stunning backdrop of Istanbul’s historic waterway.

Pierre Loti Hill is named after the renowned French novelist and naval officer Pierre Loti, born Julien Viaud. Loti, an ardent admirer of the East, came in Istanbul in 1876 and was immediately drawn to the city’s exotic beauty. His time as a naval officer stationed in the city sparked an ongoing fascination with its culture, people, and surroundings.

According to legend, Loti sought peace on this hill, where he frequently visited an unpretentious café, charmed by the tranquility it provided. It was here that he met and fell profoundly in love with a local woman, which inspired his novel Aziyadé, a semi-autobiographical work that tells a poignant story of romance and longing. According to the account, the pair would frequently sip Turkish coffee together in the open-air café, with Loti writing down his thoughts while taking in the breathtaking view of the Golden Horn.

Over time, this unassuming café grew in cultural significance, attracting writers, painters, and intellectuals seeking inspiration from the same views that enthralled the French novelist. What was once an isolated refuge has become a beloved icon, immortalized in both literature and Turkish cinema. Today, the establishment, renamed Pierre Loti Café, retains its historical identity and continues to welcome people from all over the world, creating a seamless link between the past and the present.

Despite its profound historical associations, Pierre Loti Hill’s name has sparked some controversy. A suggestion was made to rename it Eyüpsultan Hill, which would better reflect the identity of the neighboring region. The motion, however, drew strong opposition, with many defending the hill’s current status, acknowledging its historical and literary history as important to Istanbul’s cultural fabric.

Pierre Loti Hill is still a popular location for both locals and tourists looking for a genuine view into Istanbul’s history. Its value goes beyond its stunning scenery; it is a living homage to a bygone period, a location where history, literature, and landscape come together in poetic harmony.

Reaching the peak of Pierre Loti Hill is an adventure in and of itself. While some choose an active walk via Eyüpsultan’s meandering pathways, others prefer the more scenic route given by the TF2 (Eyüp – Pierre Loti) Teleferik. This overhead cable vehicle glides gracefully above the area, giving passengers a bird’s-eye view of the beautiful flora and sprawling city beyond. As the cabin ascends, the full grandeur of the Golden Horn unfolds before the eyes, laying the groundwork for the immersive experience that awaits on the hilltop.