Isik's place was located in a nice, residential part of the New District, and the views from the balcony were very nice.
However, the interior was a little run-down and rough. There were smoke & dust stains on the walls, and the place smelled very, very strongly of cigarette smoke. We tried to air it out throughout our stay but the smell never really went away.
The place was definitely a "budget" accommodation, though we paid considerably more than other listings in Istanbul.
Isik, our host, was a very helpful and kind person. He gave us a quick tour of the neighborhood and was very friendly and great with communication.