My friend and I stayed at Hande's place for 3 nights. We didn't meet Hande in person but her friends Doğu and Ferhat welcomed us at the apartment. Doğu showed us around the apartment and explained about Berlin the lovely cat who lives there.
It took us some time to find the apartment but people were helpful to point us to the right direction when we asked. Be prepared for really steep uphill and downhill streets and spiralling stairs in the apartment if you have heavy luggages. Interestingly, we also met some friendly neighbours living upstairs.
The apartment is really near to Taksim Square and İstiklal Street, so you are never far from metro stations, shopping, food, and other attractions. It's a very crowded and busy area, you get to experience the bustling energy of Istanbul's main pedestrian street.
Berlin was really adorable, I wonder if she is really attached to all strangers... Do refill her food bowl and water bowl if she meows loudly, that would make her happy. Missing Berlin already... :-)