Aziyadé

Aziyadé is a semi-autobiographical novel written by French author Pierre Loti, published in 1879. The novel tells the story of a French naval officer (Loti himself, under the pseudonym "Loti") who falls in love with a Circassian woman named Aziyadé in Salonica (modern-day Thessaloniki) during the late 19th century when it was part of the Ottoman Empire. The narrative explores themes of exoticism, forbidden love, cultural difference, and the allure of the Orient.

The novel's romanticized portrayal of the East, and particularly its depiction of Aziyadé, contributed to the Orientalist movement in literature and art. While celebrated for its evocative prose and atmosphere, it is also criticized for its stereotypical and often condescending representation of non-Western cultures and people. The story follows their passionate but ultimately doomed affair and Loti's eventual departure, leaving Aziyadé behind.