Pierre Loti Hill is one of the most visited places in Istanbul by tourists and also citizens. With an amazing panoramic view of Golden Horn and its pretty coffee house, it offers a peaceful atmosphere.

The history of Pierre Loti Hill dates back to 19th Century. Pierre Loti, a French naval officer and novelist, whose real name was Julien Viaud (1850-1923), made his first visit to Istanbul and he was so impressed by the beauty of the city and the rich Ottoman culture. He lived in Istanbul for long years, became an Ottoman sympathiser. It is said that he often came to the cafe located on the hill in those years (the name of the cafe was Rabia Kadın Kahvesi at that time), and wrote his novel Aziyade overlooking the Golden Horn. He fell in love with an Ottoman lady, Aziyade, that he gave her name to his novel. Due to his support of the Independence War, new parliament decided to give his name to the avenue and cafe in 1921. Today, this district has been restorated many times by mostly sticking to its original view.

Very close to the place, there is Eyup Sultan Mosque built in 1458 (five years after Fatih Sultan Mehmet II seized Constantinople) by The Great Architect Sinan (Mimar Sinan). The mosque was ruined by several earthquakes and restorated in 1800 in Baroque style using pale honey colored stones. What makes Eyup Sultan Mosque interesting and holy is that it is located on the site of the tomb of Eyup Ensari (Abu Ayyub al-Ansari) who was a friend and bearer of Prophet Muhammad and killed during Arab siege. The mosque opens everyday, there is no entrance fee, however donations are welcome.

If you are planning a trip to Eyup district to visit Eyup Sultan Mosque and Pierre Loti Hill, you can reach there by car and use cable car (teleferik) to reach on top; or from Sultanahmet, you can take the tram to Topkapı Station, then take 94Y bus to Eyup Sultan (walk 3 mins to Eyup Sultan Mosque), or take the same bus to Teleferik Pierre Loti station and get in cable car to reach Pierre Loti Hill.