Ferhat’s place was pretty minimalist but completely functional. It was just right for me as a solo traveler on a budget. And the garden view from the bedroom window was enlivened by cute cats playing out there. Ferhat was an exceptionally responsive and accommodating host. Thank you very much, Ferhat.
As for the neighborhood, it's basically Moda, the most vibrant quarter in the whole of Istanbul, featuring a great lot of authentic local life: innumerable cafes, daytime eateries, pubs, bars, restaurants… You would need a whole life to try out what Moda can offer.