Born in France in 1850, Loti, a naval officer, embarked on journeys to various parts of the world, including Japan, Senegal, India, China, America, and Iran. It was during his voyage to Izmir in 1870 that he first encountered the Ottoman lands. Loti first visited Istanbul in 1876. Enchanted by the citys captivating beauty and vibrant atmosphere, he eagerly looked forward to returning. Loti made multiple trips to Istanbul from 1876 until 1919, giving him the opportunity to explore the city in all its facets.
Starting his journey in Beyoğlu and extending it to the Bosphorus and Eyüp, Loti discovered every corner of Istanbul. The author, who got to know the citys historical landmarks, natural beauty, culture, and its people up close, reflected these impressions in his works. One of Lotis most significant works on Istanbul is ""Aziyadé,"" which narrates a love story that begins in Thessaloniki and extends to Istanbul, depicting the story of two young people striving to pursue their love amid the strict traditions of Ottoman society.
Another important work by Loti is ""Les Desenchantées,"" which focuses on the constrained lives of Ottoman women and the harem. The novel sheds light on the social and political issues of the time. Loti was a writer who not only appreciated the beauty of Istanbul but also observed its problems. His works such as ""La Turquie Agonisante,"" in which he criticized the stance of Western states against the Ottomans during the Balkan Wars, and ""Suprèmes Visions dOrient,"" in which he defended Turkeys rights against European states after World War I, reflect this aspect of the author.
Despite being a naval officer and a government official, Loti often preferred to wander the streets of Istanbul. Wearing a fez and mingling with the public, he closely observed the lives of the people. He even learned Turkish, enabling him to engage in conversations with people from all walks of life in the city. For Loti, Istanbul was the city of tranquility, peace, silence, slowness, serenity, and tolerance. The author fondly remembered the time he spent in Istanbul as one of the happiest and most fruitful periods of his life.