Piyer Loti Museum, Historical museum in Eyüp district, Istanbul, Turkey
Piyer Loti Museum sits within a historic coffeehouse set on a hillside overlooking the Golden Horn waterway in the Eyüp district. The building once served as the Rabia Kadin Coffeehouse and now functions partially as a museum while continuing to operate as a working establishment.
The structure originated as the Rabia Kadin Coffeehouse, a gathering place that attracted French writer Pierre Loti beginning in 1876 during his time in Istanbul. His novel Aziyadé was completed here, creating a lasting literary connection to the location.
The location takes its name from the French writer Pierre Loti, who spent time here during the late 1800s and developed a deep affection for the city. His presence shaped how locals and visitors understand this hillside as a place where East and West met through literature.
The location is accessible on foot via walking paths and serves by a free municipal lift from the Eyüp district center that helps with the uphill climb. Visiting in late afternoon works best when crowds thin out and the light on the hillside becomes most pleasant.
The museum displays personal items belonging to the writer such as a typewriter and gramophone from his era. These objects give visitors a direct sense of the man who linked Istanbul to the wider world through his writing.
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