Shahrzad was a wonderful, welcoming host. She was quick to offer tips about getting around Istanbul. I ended up leaving early to visit Cappadocia, but before I left Shahrzad was quick to invite me to her flat next door for Turkish coffee and a meal with her and her friend Hakan. I am happy to have made some new friends in Istanbul and will certainly be back to visit.
Her flat feels straight out of an IKEA catalogue, with modern, minimalist interior design and a spacious, open floorplan. It was very clean and inviting. I slept well in a comfortable bed and didn't experience any loud night noise.
The only thing I might recommend to fellow non-Turkish speaking travelers is when you get dropped off by the bus from the airport to Taksim Square, forgo the taxi and get an Uber to the flat instead. My taxi should have been about 6 lira ($2) to get to the flat, but the driver ran the meter up to 52 lira! Every Uber I took in Istanbul was super clean, easy, and inexpensive (you get a fare estimate before requesting it). I had problems putting the exact destination into Uber, so you can just use Odak Burger at Istanbul, Eskişehir, 34375 Şişli/İstanbul, Turkey. It is right around the corner.
There is also a bus stop on the corner opposite from Shahrzad's place that makes getting around easy.
Thanks for a great place to stay, Shahrzad!