This was a wonderfully spacious and sunlit apartment in the heart of Kadikoy, outside of the tourist areas, in a neighborhood where people live and work. We walked to so many terrific restaurants and markets with friendly people who didn't seem to mind that we didn't speak any Turkish. We visited during a heat wave, but the apartment windows let in a breeze that kept the apartment pleasantly cool. Vahdettin is the perfect host, and went out of his way to make us comfortable and to help us feel at home. Don't be afraid to stay outside of the big hotels! This was the best place to enjoy the real Istanbul, and close enough to buses and the ferries to visit the big tourist spots when we wanted to. If I am able to come back to Istanbul, I will stay here again.