Berkan is one of the best airbnb hosts I have had the pleasure of meeting and staying with, and am happy to now also call him a friend. He was extraordinarily hospitable and very easy to communicate with, and is a fabulous guide to Taksim and some excellent recommendations for food and drink in the area. The flat itself is in a wonderful location--just a few blocks down Istiklal from Taksim Square and within walking distance of most everything in Beyoglu--and very comfortable. We stayed in the bottom floor, which we had to ourselves, while Berkan lived a few floors above us. I would absolutely recommend Berkan's flat to anyone visiting Istanbul for the first time or long-time lovers of the city (like myself) who are looking for a true insider's perspective to discover parts of Istanbul they never would otherwise.