An Unforgettable Stay at Volkan's:
We stayed in Volkan's place for two and a half months and would be lucky if we could go there again in the future. Volkan ıs undoubtedly a great host. In fact, I like to call him a super superhost! During our stay in his apartment, he was very helpful and responsive to our needs. He did not spare any effort to make sure we felt comfortable. He responded to all our questions very patiently and promptly. He would also get in touch with us to ask if we were in need of anything, if we did not ask. He always made sure we were comfortable all the time. As an example, he was very cooperative when we expressed our need to get bottled water delivered to our doorstep; every time we needed water, we would get in touch with him to ask him to order water on our behalf. We felt he did that with pleasure.
The apartment itself is very spacious and pleasant, located in a lively area which is 3 to 4 minutes away from the metro station, the best means of quick transport in Istanbul. ( Buses can be fun if you want to "see" the city but rather slow especially during rush hours. ). And although there is no elevator in the building, the apartment itself is on the second floor and the staircase is not steep. The air-conditioner was a relief because the weather got hot sometimes, so the ac saved us from the scorching heat.

There are many nearby restaurants, at least 4. When we first arrived we had our first meal at Nadide Restaurant and enjoyed a great dinner there. I must commend the restaurant owner for receiving us during the last few minutes before the curfew. It was the only restaurant open at the time and we felt the love and desire for assistance rather than anything else. The restaurant is bit pricey but offers superb, high quality food which is certainly worth every penny.
The neighborhood is very lively. You can find plenty of markets around: Migros in Astoria AVM ( Alışveriş Merkezi), Carrefour mini, Şok ( pronounced "Shock") , Bim, A101, and there is even a nearby Pazar ( local market) which is held every Sunday. However, you have to be careful if you go to the Pazar because most vendors do not allow customers to pick fruits and vegetables... You just have to take what they give you! Of course the prices are cheaper than the markets, but not always a better bargain! So, be careful. There is a bigger Migros branch in Cevahir AVM which offers a larger variety of goods than the branch in Astoria AVM. Cevahir Mall is one metro stop away from home, and there is a special exit from the metro station into the mall itself, so look for that to save yourself the trouble of leaving the metro station then looking for the mall ( as happened to me the first time!) As I mentioned it is just one stop away. Just take the metro in the Yenikapı direction and get off at Şişli/Mecidiye köy station.
I cannot end this review without mentioning the very friendly taxi drivers who happen to have their taxi stand just below the building. We always thought of them as our neighbors and were very impressed with their amiable attitude towards us. An unforgettable person also is Osman, the barber, who gave my husband a very professional hair cut, and like the rest of the people in the neighborhood was also very friendly.
In short, I think we were lucky to rent Volkan's apartment, and we hope to go back to the same apartment sometime in the near future.