The Transformation of Pierre Loti

an afternoon in Eyüp-İstanbul from InEnArt on Vimeo.

Pierre Loti is a famous place in Istanbul for drinking tea and having a marvelous view over the Bosphorus. Loti was a french (1850 – 1923) novelist and naval officer, who had published rather orientalist views on Istanbul in his autobiographical book “Aziayzde”. It is told, that he took notes on this hill above the mosque of Eyüp.

Someone had told me, that Pierre Loti Café would be demolished. Although I have to admit, that I haven’t been there for years, I rushed to Eyüp, took the Teleferik and: was startled. The cosy place has changed. You are in Disneyland a la Turca now. What a horrible Kitsch!!!

Anyway the old Café is still there, it has the best view anyway. The rest is just funny and amazing to watch. You can pose as a Sultan in a cheap made Kaftan.

Noone should criticize the “magnificent century, a TV serial about Süleyman the magnificent, as a Falsification of history any more. What you find at the hill of Pierre Loti is the most stupid version of ugliest Historism. Beside you can drink expensive tea and Cola Turca.

The next trip will go to Ayvansaray, I have seen from the Bus to Eyüp, that demolitions are actually happening there.

Music: Eyüp Darko Taymur: Karalama Kampanyası

The Transformation of Taksim Squere http://senseoftime.inenart.eu/?p=2692